What is AusAID's current environmental policy?

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 19/01/2010 09:30:18

Do you think AusAID’s current environmental policy will change given the outcomes or lack of resolution at COP15?

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 19/01/2010 09:33:22

That’s a good question, and it’s probably too early to answer it. We have to first understand what Copenhagen really did or didn’t achieve. There has been a lot of uninformed commentary on that. Having said that, it is a complex matter, which I attempt to address in my answer to the Question – Is the Climate Accord a good first step?

AusAID will be primarily affected by any agreements on public international funding to address climate change. Copenhagen did make some progress on funding. There was an agreement as part of the Copenhagen Accord (the main outcome from Copenhagen: see the answer to the Question – Is the Climate Accord a good first step?) for the developed (rich) countries to provide $US 30 billion by 2010-2012 and $US 100 billion a year by 2020. (To me, the text is a little unclear as to whether it is 30 billion a year for three years, or 10 billion a year; I think the latter). These funds would be for mitigation (including to stop deforestation) and adaptation in poor countries. Where the funds would come from is to be studied by a panel of experts, but a “significant portion” would come from the Copenhagen Green Climate Fund. So what’s the Copenhagen Green Climate Fund? It would operate under the United Nations, and cover all areas (adaptation, mitigation including deforestation, capacity building, technology development and transfer).

How will all this pan out for AusAID? It’s too early to say. AusAID is unlikely to get involved in technology transfer, or energy sector mitigation. Its main areas for involvement will relate to deforestation and adaptation. Some of Australia’s funding contribution will go to the Copenhagen Green Climate Fund. Some will be distributed by AusAID. How much and how fast will depend on progress made this year to an international agreement.