Distr.
GENERAL
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/8
25 April 1996
Original: ENGLISH
SUBSIDIARY BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE
Second session
Geneva, 27 February - 4 March 1996
ADVICE ON THE WORK OF ITS SECOND SESSION, HELD AT GENEVA FROM
Paragraphs Page
I. OPENING OF THE SESSION 1 - 3 4
(Agenda item 1)
II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS 4 - 9 4
(Agenda item 2)
A. Adoption of the agenda 4 4
B. Organization of the work of the session 5 - 7 5
C. Attendance 8 6
D. Documentation 9 6
III. ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL
TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL(S) 10 - 17 6
(Agenda item 3)
GE.96-
Paragraphs Page
IV. SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENTS 18 - 44 7
(Agenda item 4)
A. Consideration of the Second Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 18 - 32 7
B. Cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change 33 - 44 12
V. NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS 45 - 68 13
(Agenda item 5)
A. Communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention 45 - 62 13
B. Communications from Parties not included in Annex I
to the Convention: issues related to the preparation
of communications 63 - 68 16
VI. ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED JOINTLY UNDER
THE PILOT PHASE 69 - 76 17
(Agenda item 6)
VII. TECHNOLOGY INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT 77 - 86 18
(Agenda item 7)
VIII. WORKSHOP ON MECHANISMS FOR INPUTS BY
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 87 - 88 19
(Agenda item 8)
IX. LONGER-TERM ACTIVITIES 89 - 92 20
(Agenda item 9)
X. REPORT ON THE SESSION 93 - 94 20
(Agenda item 10)
Paragraphs Page
I. Lists of attendance 22
II. Documents before the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and
Technological Advice at its second session 26
III. Initial list of items on which the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change could provide input to the Subsidiary
Body for Scientific and Technological Advice 29
IV. Annex to conclusions on activities implemented jointly
under the pilot phase 32
1. The second session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and
Technological Advice (hereinafter referred to as "the SBSTA") was
held at Geneva from 27 February to 4 March 1996.
2. The Chairman of the SBSTA, Mr. Tibor Faragó, opened the
session at the 1st meeting, on 27 February 1996. He welcomed all
participants. He referred to the heavy agenda for the session and the
need to coordinate the work of the session with that of the
Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Ad Hoc Group on the
Berlin Mandate (AGBM), which would also be meeting. He was confident
that the work of the session could be completed successfully in a
cooperative and timely manner.
3. The Executive Secretary made an introductory statement in which
he provided information on the status of ratification of the
Convention and of the documentation for the session. He suggested
that, while the secretariat should improve its delivery of
documentation, subsidiary bodies might evaluate more carefully the
utility of new documents before requesting them of the secretariat.
He also stressed the need for the current session of subsidiary
bodies to pay attention to the inputs that will be required of them
by the Conference of the Parties (COP) at its second session. He
asked that this statement be taken into account by the SBI and the
AGBM at their forthcoming sessions.
4. At its 1st meeting, on 27 February, the SBSTA adopted the
following agenda:
1. Opening of the session.
2. Organizational matters:
(a) Adoption of the agenda;
(b) Organization of the work of the session.
3. Establishment of intergovernmental technical advisory
panel(s).
4. Scientific assessments:
(a) Consideration of the Second Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC);
(b) Cooperation with the IPCC.
5. National communications:
(a) Communications from Parties included in Annex I to the
Convention:
(i) Progress report on in-depth reviews;
(ii) Elements of the second compilation and synthesis report (technical aspects);
(iii) Report on guidelines for the preparation of
communications.
(b) Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the
Convention: issues related to the preparation of
communications.
6. Activities implemented jointly under the pilot
phase.
7. Technology inventory and assessment.
8. Workshop on mechanisms for inputs by non-governmental
organizations.
9. Longer term activities.
10. Report on the session.
5. At its 1st meeting, on 27 February, the Chairman recalled that
there would be services available for formal meetings in the mornings
between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. In addition, facilities would be available
in the afternoons between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. for informal meetings
with the exceptions of the afternoons of 28 February and 4 March when
workshops of the AGBM would be held.
6. On the subject of applications for accreditation to sessions of
the subsidiary bodies of the Convention, the SBSTA agreed to admit
new applicant organizations that had been screened by the
secretariat, on the basis of the provisions of Article 7.6 of the
Convention, without prejudice to subsequent action by the
COP.
7. Further, in accordance with the recommendation of the Bureau of
the COP, the SBSTA agreed to maintain its policy that
non-governmental organizations would be admitted to the floor before
and after meetings only. In relation to this, the Chairman indicated
his readiness to explore the possibilities for flexibility on this
policy and expressed his willingness to discuss the matter, as
necessary, with the non-governmental organizations concerned. As a
consequence, a provisional arrangement was agreed where
representatives of three non-governmental organizations were admitted
to the floor during the 6th meeting, on 4 March.
8. The lists of attendance at the second session of the SBSTA are
given in annex I.
9. The documents before the SBSTA at its second session are listed
in annex II.
TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL(S)
10. At its 1st, 3rd, 4th and 6th meetings, on 27, 28 and 29
February, and 4 March, respectively, the SBSTA addressed the item on
the establishment of intergovernmental technical advisory panel(s).
It had before it a note by the Chairman on his informal consultations
on this matter (FCCC/SBSTA/1996/2).
11. Statements were made by the representatives of eight Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its
member States, and another speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and
China.
12. At the 6th meeting, on 4 March, the representative of the
Philippines, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China,
expressed her great disappointment that the process for the
establishment of the intergovernmental technical advisory panel(s)
had not been agreed. She suggested the setting up of a roster of
experts and requested that her statement on this item be reflected in
the report of the session. The statement is reproduced in document
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.3.
13. A representative of one State, not party to the Convention,
also made a statement.
14. The positions of the Group of 77 and China and of the United
States of America are reproduced in document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.3,
for future reference.
15. On the basis of proposals by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at its
6th meeting, on 4 March, adopted the following
conclusions.
16. The SBSTA recognized that the intergovernmental technical
advisory panel(s) had the potential to make an important contribution
to the processes under the Convention and to the implementation of
the Convention by Parties, in particular by providing an opportunity
to draw upon the broad range of expertise available in Parties.
However, at this stage the SBSTA could not agree on the modalities
for such a panel, or panels, and decided to request guidance from the
next session of the COP on this issue; in this context, it requested
its Chairman to report to the COP.
17. The SBSTA also recognized that it may be beneficial to develop
a roster of experts to assist the Convention process in the conduct
of its work. It requested the Parties to submit comments on the
concept of a roster, including the disciplines that such a roster
might cover, by 1 April 1996. It requested the secretariat to
prepare a compilation of the comments as well as a paper on this
subject.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
18. At its 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th meetings on 27, 28 and 29
February, and 1 and 4 March, respectively, the SBSTA considered this
item on the Second Assessment Report of the IPCC. It had before it a
note prepared by the secretariat, document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/7 and
Adds. 1, 2 and 3.
19. The Chairman of the IPCC introduced the Second Assessment
Report.
20. Statements were made by the representatives of 25 Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its
member States, another speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small
Island States (AOSIS), and another speaking on behalf of the Group of
77 and China.
21. A representative of one State, not party to the Convention,
made a statement.
22. The representative of the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) made a statement.
23. A representative of the Climate Action Network also made a
statement.
24. Some delegations drew attention to a number of important
findings in the Second Assessment Report which they felt should be
communicated to all bodies of the Convention and particularly to the
AGBM, for consideration. These delegations highlighted that these
findings underlined the necessity for urgent action to address
adverse effects of climate change, including mitigation and
adaptation:
(a) Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases and aerosols
are increasing largely because of human activities (IPCC Synthesis
Report (SR), (section) 2.2, 2.3);
(b) Climate has changed over the past century (SR
2.4);
(c) The balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence
on global climate (SR 2.4);
(d) Without specific policies to mitigate climate change, the
global mean surface air temperature relative to 1990 is projected to
increase by about 2C (between 1.0 and 3.5C) by 2100. This is probably
greater than any observed during the last 10,000 years (SR
2.8);
(e) Average sealevel is projected to rise by about 50 centimetres
(between 15 and 95 centimetres) above present levels by 2100 (SR
2.8);
(f) Stabilization of atmospheric concentrations at twice
pre-industrial levels will eventually require global emissions to be
less than 50 percent of current levels (SR 4.10);
(g) Even if the concentrations of greenhouse gases were stabilized
at 2100, global mean surface air temperature would continue to rise
for some decades, and sealevel for many centuries beyond that time
(SR 2.7, 2.8);
(h) The projected changes in climate change will result in
significant, often adverse impacts on many ecological systems and
socio-economic sectors, including food supply and water resources,
and on human health. In some cases, the impacts are potentially
irreversible (SR 3.2, 3.3);
(i) Developing countries and small island countries are typically
more vulnerable to climate change (SR 3.3);
(j) Significant reductions in net greenhouse gas emissions are
technically possible and economically feasible by utilizing an
extensive array of technology and policy measures that accelerate
technology development, diffusion and transfer (SR 5.2);
(k) Significant no regrets opportunities are available in most
countries to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the
risk of aggregate net damage due to climate change, consideration of
risk aversion, and the precautionary principle provide rationales for
action beyond no regrets (SR 8.2);
(l) A portfolio of existing cost-effective technologies, policies
and measures can be used to markedly reduce the net emissions of
greenhouse gases from all sectors (SR 5.5, 5.6, 5.11, 5.12,
8.4);
(m) Flexible, cost-effective policies relying on economic
incentives and instruments, as well as coordinated instruments, can
considerably reduce mitigation and adaptation costs, or can increase
the cost-effectiveness of emission reduction measures (SR
8.3);
(n) Equity considerations are an important aspect of climate
change policy and in achieving sustainable development. The
intertemporal aspects of climate change policy also raise questions
of intergenerational equity (SR 6.1, 6.5);
(o) Uncertainties remain and there is a need for further work to
reduce these uncertainties.
25. Other delegations expressed their view that it is very
premature for the SBSTA to attempt to highlight specific findings of
conclusions contained in the Second Assessment Report. They stated
their belief that the list of items identified by certain delegations
was highly selective and reflected a very limited, and, therefore,
biased view of what were important findings in the Second Assessment
Report. They also pointed out that some of the items listed by others
were taken out of context and failed to set forth important
qualifications that the IPCC specifically stated.
26. These delegations suggested that a preliminary review of the
IPCC's Synthesis Report indicated that other important IPCC findings
included, inter alia:
(a) Item 24 (c) above is merely quoted selectively concerning the IPCC's conclusions that the balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate. It fails to disclose the key IPCC finding that its ability to quantify the human influence is limited "because there are uncertainties in key factors." It fails to disclose that
one of these uncertainties in key factors concerns the magnitude
and patterns of long-term natural variability. This information is
clearly set forth in the Working Group I Summary for Policymakers,
page 4 and in the IPCC Synthesis Report, paragraph 2.4;
(b) Item 24 (d) above fails to disclose that the estimated
temperature increase of 2oC by 2100 is approximately 1/3
lower than the IPCC's "best estimate" in 1990. That information is
contained in paragraph 2.7 of the Synthesis Report and on page 5 of
the Working Group I Summary for Policymakers;
(c) Item 24 (e) above fails to disclose the important information
that the estimate of sealevel rise by 2100 is 25 per cent lower than
the IPCC's "best estimate" in 1990. That information is found in
paragraph 2.8 of the Synthesis Report and on page 5 of the Working
Group I Summary for Policymakers.
(d) Much attention has been paid to the issues of so-called
extreme events. Unfortunately, the items in paragraph 24 above fail
to disclose the very important conclusion that "there are inadequate
data to determine whether consistent global changes in climate
variability or weather extremes have occurred over the 20th century."
Such information is contained in paragraph 2.5 of the Synthesis
Report and on page 3 of the Working Group I Summary for
Policymakers;
(e) Clearly, a key finding of the IPCC Synthesis Report, found in
paragraph 2.12, is that "many uncertainties and many factors
currently limit our ability to project and detect future climate
change";
(f) Insofar as item 24 (h) above purports to deal with impacts on food supply, it is seriously misleading because it fails to disclose the key information in paragraph 3.13 of the Synthesis Report and section 3.3 of the IPCC Working Group II Summary for Policymakers that "existing studies show that on the whole, global agricultural production could be maintained relative to baseline production in the face of climate change projected under doubled equivalent CO2 equilibrium conditions";
(g) Insofar as the list of items above concern response strategies
and call for urgent action, it should be recalled that IPCC Working
Group III specifically concluded that "the value of better
information about climate change processes and impacts and society's
responses to them is likely to be great," and that paragraph 8.4 of
the Synthesis Report called attention to "large differences in the
cost of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing sinks, among
countries due to their state of economic development, infrastructure
choices, and natural resources base."
27. On the basis of proposals by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at its
6th meeting, on 4 March, adopted the following
conclusions.
28. The SBSTA expressed its appreciation to the IPCC and to the
Chairman of the IPCC for the excellent work carried out in drawing up
the Second Assessment Report and for the Chairman's presentation to
the SBSTA on 27 February of the key points of the report. It
considered the Second Assessment Report to be the most comprehensive
assessment of available scientific and technical information related
to climate change.
29. The SBSTA held an initial exchange of views on the Second
Assessment Report during its meetings. It commended the entire Second
Assessment Report to all bodies of the Convention and particularly to
the AGBM. The SBSTA invited Parties to send their views on the report
in order to facilitate full consideration of it at the third session,
in keeping with its mandate as contained in COP decision
6/CP.1(1), annex I, paragraph 1 and
annex II, paragraph 1. The views of the Parties should be transmitted
to the secretariat by 30 April 1996.
30. The SBSTA decided to include in its future work programme the
key questions deriving from Article 2 of the Convention, namely the
level of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations that would prevent
dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system and the
paths to stabilization at that level, taking into account the common
but differentiated responsibilities of Parties. In this context, the
IPCC Second Assessment synthesis of scientific-technical information
relevant to interpreting Article 2 of the Convention was considered
as an important scientifically-based, comprehensive analysis. It also
recognized that the IPCC would have to provide further technical
inputs that would enable the SBSTA and the COP to address the
ultimate objective of the Convention.
31. The SBSTA also agreed that the findings and projections of the
Second Assessment Report should be made available in a suitable form
to different audiences with special attention being given to the
impacts and circumstances at the national and regional levels. It
invited Parties, organizations and institutions to give appropriate
attention to this need.
32. The SBSTA took note of the information provided by the WMO and
a number of Parties, relevant to the implementation of Article 5 of
the Convention, on Research and Systematic Observation. It requested
the secretariat to prepare a summary report on research and
observation issues, with attention to Article 5, and particularly to
Article 5 (c), of the Convention, in close collaboration with Parties
and concerned international organizations, and taking into account
the recommendations of the Second Assessment Report, for
consideration by the third session of the SBSTA and subsequently by
the COP.
33. At its 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th meetings on 28 and 29 February,
and 1 and 4 March, respectively, the SBSTA addressed the item on
cooperation with the IPCC. It had before it a note prepared by the
secretariat, document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/6.
34. Statements were made by the representatives of 18 Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its
member States, another speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small
Island States, and another speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and
China.
35. A representative of one State, not party to the Convention,
made a statement.
36. The representatives of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO/IOC), and the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) also made statements.
37. On the basis of proposals by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at its
6th meeting, on 4 March, adopted the following
conclusions.
38. The SBSTA noted with appreciation the decisions taken by the
IPCC at its eleventh session in Rome (December 1995) on its future
work programme, and, particularly, that it intends to prepare a Third
Assessment Report by around 2000 and continue to work on
methodologies for greenhouse gas inventory.
39. The SBSTA considered the conclusions of the meetings of the
Joint Working Group of officers of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the IPCC. Taking into
account also the statements made during the session, it requested the
IPCC to undertake the proposed activities in support of the SBSTA
contained in annex III to this report, and advise the SBSTA
accordingly.
40. The SBSTA requested the secretariat to take the
above-mentioned activities as the basis for proposing a financial
contribution to the IPCC in 1996, as provided in the Convention
budget and to report thereon to the third session of the SBI and the
second session of the COP.
41. The SBSTA appreciated that in addition to the proposed
activities contained in annex III to this report, the IPCC was
providing enhanced scientific and technical information to the
evolving needs of the AGBM.
42. The SBSTA noted that, for several issues identified in the
annex to document FCCC/SBSTA/1995/3, some information is available in
the IPCC Special Report 1994 and the Second Assessment Report, and
would be expected to be included in the Third Assessment Report.
These issues are:
(a) Developing and/or assessing:
(i) Methodologies for projecting national, regional and global emissions;
(ii) Methodologies for evaluating the effects of measures; and
(iii) The application of global warming potentials;
(b) Information on sources and sinks;
(c) Reducing uncertainties related to particulate matter and
tropospheric ozone.
43. The SBSTA noted further that, in addition to its sponsoring
bodies WMO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the
IPCC was cooperating with other relevant competent international
organizations in responding to the need for objective scientific and
technical advice, and it emphasized the importance of such
cooperation.
44. Finally, the SBSTA requested its Chairman to continue the
series of meetings of the Joint Working Group of officers of the
UNFCCC and the IPCC, as and when appropriate, and to report on these
meetings to future sessions of the SBSTA.
(i) Progress report on in-depth
reviews
45. At its 3rd, 4th and 6th meetings on 28 and 29 February, and 4
March, respectively, the SBSTA addressed the item on progress report
on in-depth reviews. It had before it a note prepared by the
secretariat, document FCCC/SB/1996/2.
46. Statements were made by the representatives of nine Parties
including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its
member States, and another speaking on behalf of the Alliance of
Small Island States.
47. On the basis of proposals by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at its
6th meeting, on 4 March, adopted the following
conclusions.
48. The SBSTA took note of the progress report on in-depth reviews
(FCCC/SB/1996/2) and of the in-depth review reports issued so far
(FCCC/IDR.1/CZE, FCCC/IDR.1/SWE, FCCC/IDR.1/AUS, FCCC/IDR.1/USA,
FCCC/IDR.1/CAN, FCCC/IDR.1/CHE). The SBSTA endorsed the format, scope
and approaches of the in-depth review reports and emphasized the
importance of monitoring the overall implementation of the
Convention. The SBSTA took note with regret that the time schedule
for these reviews as set by the first session of the COP could not be
met owing to resource limitations and/or scheduling problems. It
stressed the importance of completing the first cycle of in-depth
reviews by the end of 1996 and of issuing as many reports as possible
before the next sessions of subsidiary bodies, with a view to holding
a substantive discussion at those sessions.
(ii) Elements of the second compilation and synthesis
report
49. At its 3rd, 4th and 6th meetings on 28 and 29 February, and 4
March, respectively, the SBSTA considered the item on elements of the
second compilation and synthesis report. It had before it a note
prepared by the secretariat, document FCCC/SB/1996/1.
50. Statements were made by the representatives of 11
Parties.
51. On the basis of proposals by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at its
6th meeting, on 4 March, adopted the following
conclusions.
52. The SBSTA endorsed the proposed outline and approaches to be
taken during the second compilation and synthesis of first national
communications, as suggested by the secretariat in its document
FCCC/SB/1996/1. The SBSTA requested the secretariat to explore ways
to use tables in the compilation of policies and measures and to
describe national circumstances, inter alia, national policy
targets.
53. The SBSTA took note of preliminary data presented in document FCCC/SB/1996/1/Add.1 on projections of emissions of greenhouse gases for the year 2000
which indicate that many Annex I Parties will have to make
additional efforts beyond those included in the projections in order
to return greenhouse gas emissions to base year levels by 2000. The
SBSTA stressed the need for more transparency in the assumptions made
in these projections.
54. The SBSTA recalled decision 3/CP.1 requesting Annex I Parties to submit to the secretariat national inventory data for the period 1990-1993 and, where available, for 1994 by 15 April 1996, and encouraged these Parties to submit these data at an earlier date to
facilitate preparation of the second compilation and synthesis
report. It recognized that, based on Article 4.6 of the Convention
regarding these submissions, Annex I Parties with economies in
transition may exercise a certain degree of flexibility.
55. The SBSTA invited Annex I Parties to forward to the
secretariat their suggestions related to the presentation of
inventory data on the land use change and forestry sector for years
subsequent to 1990 and on projections in this sector, as well as on
aggregating data on greenhouse gases sources and sinks from this and
other sectors, by 1 April 1996.
56. The SBSTA will consider technical aspects of available
in-depth review reports and of the second compilation and synthesis
report at its third session in order to draw relevant conclusions to
the attention of the SBI at its third session and the AGBM at its
fourth session, as well as to the COP at its second
session.
(iii) Report on guidelines for the preparation of
communications
57. At its 3rd, 4th and 6th meetings on 28 and 29 February and 4
March, respectively, the SBSTA addressed the item on the report on
guidelines for the preparation of communications. It had before it a
note prepared by the secretariat, document
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/3.
58. Statements were made by the representatives of nine Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its
member States.
59. On the basis of the proposals by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at
its 6th meeting, on 4 March, adopted the following
conclusions.
60. The SBSTA took note of document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/3 and endorsed
the proposals regarding the revisions to the guidelines to ensure
consistency with COP decisions. The SBSTA requested that revised
guidelines contain more specific guidance on the description of
policies and measures and their effects, projections and underlying
assumptions and technological cooperation and transfer using, where
feasible, standardized formats and tables. The revised guidelines
should also take into account the issues referred to by the SBI in
its conclusions on the transfer of technology. The SBSTA invited
Parties to submit views on possible revisions to the guidelines, as
suggested in document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/3, by 1 April
1996.
61. The SBSTA requested the secretariat to prepare a report
suggesting possible revisions to the guidelines, taking into account
the submissions by Parties and the experience from the review
process, for consideration at its third session, aiming at adopting
revised guidelines at COP 2 in time for the preparation of the second
national communications by Annex I Parties.
62. The SBSTA, with a view to overcoming inconsistencies in the
presentation of data on inventories, requested the secretariat to
address issues such as temperature adjustments, electricity trade,
bunker fuels, use of global warming potentials, land use change, and
forestry in the documentation to be prepared for consideration by the
SBSTA at its third session.
63. At its 4th and 6th meetings on 29 February and 4 March,
respectively, the SBSTA considered the item on communications from
Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention. It had before it a
note prepared by the secretariat, document
FCCC/SB/1996/3.
64. Statements were made by the representatives of four Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China,
another speaking on behalf of the European Community and its member
States, and another speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small
Island States.
65. On the basis of proposals by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at its
6th meeting, on 4 March, adopted the following
conclusions.
66. The SBSTA recalled decision 8/CP.1 and took note of document
FCCC/SB/1996/3.
67. It noted with appreciation document FCCC/SB/1996/MISC.1/Add.1
containing the position paper of the Group of 77 and China on
recommendations on guidelines and format for the preparation of
initial communications from non-Annex I Parties, which was developed
on the basis of the workshop held on 26 February 1996.
68. The SBSTA considered document FCCC/SB/MISC.1/Add.1 as the
principal basis for the adoption of guidelines and format for the
preparation of initial communications from non-Annex I Parties. It
agreed to continue consideration of the item at its third
session.
69. At its 3rd, 4th and 6th meetings on 28 and 29 February and 4
March, respectively, the SBSTA addressed the item on activities
implemented jointly under the pilot phase. It had before it a note
prepared by the secretariat, document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/5.
70. Statements were made by the representatives of five Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its
member States.
71. On the basis of proposals by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at its
6th meeting, on 4 March, adopted the following
conclusions.
72. The SBSTA recalled decision 5/CP.1 establishing a pilot phase
for activities implemented jointly and setting criteria for it,
inter alia, that no credits shall accrue to any Party as a
result of greenhouse gas emissions reduced or sequestered during the
pilot phase from activities implemented jointly, and in particular
the mandate given to the SBSTA, in coordination with SBI, to
establish a framework for reporting activities implemented jointly
under the pilot phase.
73. The SBSTA decided to adopt the initial framework for reporting
activities implemented jointly as presented in annex IV to this
report.
74. The SBSTA invited Parties to identify the relevant
governmental authority/ministry authorized to accept, approve or
endorse activities implemented jointly and to report them to the COP
through the secretariat.
75. The SBSTA also invited Parties to submit reports in accordance
with the initial framework for reporting activities implemented
jointly given in annex IV.
76. The SBSTA also decided to compile and synthesize, in
cooperation with the SBI, and with the assistance of the secretariat,
information transmitted by the Parties in the form of a report which
shall be considered annually by the COP, and based on this
information, to develop suggestions for improving the initial
reporting framework and for addressing methodological issues, as
necessary.
77. At its 5th and 6th meetings on 1 and 4 March, respectively,
the SBSTA addressed the item on technology inventory and assessment.
It had before it a note prepared by the secretariat, document
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/4 and Add.1.
78. Statements were made by the representatives of 12 Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its
member States.
79. The representative of the United Nations Industrial
Development Organization (UNIDO) also made a statement.
80. On the basis of proposals by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at its
6th meeting, on 4 March, adopted the following
conclusions.
81. The SBSTA considered the preparation of a technology inventory
and assessment, as mentioned in decision 13/CP.1 and based its
discussions on the initial report of the secretariat on this subject
(FCCC/SBSTA/1996/4). It recalled the division of labour between the
SBSTA and the SBI regarding technology issues as indicated in
decision 6/CP.1 on the subsidiary bodies established by the
Convention. It noted the statements regarding the Climate Technology
Initiative and the statement made by the representative of UNIDO
concerning a study of industrial technologies.
82. The SBSTA recognized that the identification of and
information on technologies and know-how that could assist the
Parties in the preparation of national plans would be particularly
useful, and urged all Parties who have not already done so to provide
the secretariat with information and databases on environmentally
sound and economically viable technologies and know-how conducive to
mitigating and adapting to climate change, including information from
the private sector when possible, and to continue to do so on a
routine basis in the future.
83. The SBSTA requested the secretariat to continue its
activities, in cooperation with other relevant organizations, related
to the preparation of an inventory and assessment of environmentally
sound and economically viable technologies and know-how conducive to
mitigating and adapting to climate change, to take into consideration
the activities of other United Nations agencies and intergovernmental
organizations, and other relevant programmes and to use all means
possible to communicate the information to Parties.
84. The SBSTA requested the secretariat to identify existing
sources of, as well as gaps in, information concerning technology
information centres, with a view to developing a plan for setting up
specialized technology information centres that could include,
inter alia, sources of financing, preparation of comprehensive
catalogues, dissemination of information and assessment of suitable
technology. The SBSTA requested the secretariat to conduct a survey
in order to identify the needs of Parties for information on
technologies and know-how to mitigate and adapt to climate change, to
prepare a programme of work, and to report on the progress on these
for consideration at the third session of the SBSTA. Such a work
programme could consider among its elements options for the future
development of a database and assessment of technology and should be
elaborated in cooperation with other relevant United Nations agencies
and other organizations and institutions. The SBSTA further requested
the secretariat to prepare an initial catalogue of adaptation
technologies and know-how, including information on their costs,
environmental impacts, implementation requirements, probable
time-frames for their introduction and utilization, and other
characteristics for consideration by the SBSTA before the third
session of the COP, and, on this matter, coordinate its activities
with the IPCC.
85. The SBSTA, in view of decision 13/CP.1, requested the
secretariat to prepare a paper for consideration by the SBSTA on
information related to the terms of transfer of technology and
know-how currently available.
86. The SBSTA further requested the secretariat to inform the
SBSTA periodically about new information on technologies and know-how
in the research and development stage that may be conducive to
mitigating and adapting to climate change and activities aimed at
increasing the diffusion and commercialization of such technologies
and know-how.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
87. At its 6th meeting, on 4 March, the SBSTA considered briefly
the matter of the workshop on mechanisms for inputs by
non-governmental organizations. The decision to hold the workshop
within the framework of the SBSTA was taken by the Conference of the
Parties at its first session. It also decided that the workshop would
examine the need for, and possible scope, structure, membership and
work plans, of non-governmental advisory committees and/or a business
consultative mechanism. The workshop was convened on 2 March 1995 by
the International Academy of the Environment (IAE), with guidance
from the UNFCCC secretariat. It was co-chaired by the Chairman of the
SBSTA and the Director of the IAE, Mr. B. Hawrylyshyn, who presented
an oral report on its proceedings to the SBSTA.
88. On the basis of a proposal by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at its
6th meeting, on 4 March, decided to postpone discussions on the
workshop until its third session when the formal report would be
available in all languages.
89. At its 5th and 6th meetings, on 1 and 4 March, respectively,
the SBSTA addressed the item on longer-term activities.
90. On the basis of proposals by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at its
6th meeting, on 4 March, adopted the following
conclusions.
91. The SBSTA noted that the Bureau of the COP had decided on the
following provisional schedule of meetings for the
SBSTA:
third session during COP 2, 8-19 July 1996 Geneva
fourth session 16-18 December 1996 Geneva
fifth session 24-28 February 1997 Bonn
92. The agenda for the third session of the SBSTA would be drafted
so as to respond to the need of COP 2 for focused input into its
work. A longer-term work programme would be presented to the third
session of the SBSTA on the basis of the principles laid out in the
annotated agenda (document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/1/Add.1, paragraphs 23 and
24), taking into account comments from Parties as well as the need
for coordination with the SBI.
93. At its 6th meeting, on 4 March 1996, the Rapporteur presented the first part of the draft report of the session (FCCC/SBSTA/1996/L.1). The SBSTA considered and adopted the document and also requested the Rapporteur, under the guidance of the Chairman and
with the assistance of the secretariat, to complete the report,
taking into account the discussions and the conclusions reached
during the session, as well as the need for editorial
adjustments.
94. The Chairman, after thanking all participants for their
constructive cooperation, declared the second session of the SBSTA
closed.
1. The second session of the SBSTA was attended by representatives
of the following 119 Parties to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change:
Albania
Algeria
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Canada
Central African Republic
Chile
China
Colombia
Comoros
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Cuba
Czech Republic
Democratic People's
Republic of Korea
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
European Community
Fiji
Finland
France
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Grenada
Guinea
Guyana
Honduras
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Lao People's Democratic
Republic
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia (Federated
States of)
Mongolia
Myanmar
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Norway
Pakistan
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Korea
Republic of Moldova
Romania
Russian Federation
Saint Lucia
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Uganda
United Kingdom of
Great Britain and
Northern Ireland
United States of
America
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Viet Nam
Zaire
Zambia
Zimbabwe
2. The session was also attended by observers from the following
States not parties to the Convention:
Afghanistan
Angola
Belgium
Cambodia
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Morocco
Syrian Arab Republic
South Africa
Turkey3. The following United Nations offices and programmes were
represented:
Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
United Nations Institute for Training and Research
(UNITAR)
4. The following specialized agencies of the United Nations and
related organizations were represented:
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization, (IOC/UNESCO)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
WMO/UNEP Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC)
5. The following intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations were represented:
Intergovernmental organizations
Agence de coopération culturelle et technique (ACCT)
International Energy Agency (IEA)
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
Non-governmental organizations
Alliance des Alternatives Responsables en Regard de l'Environnement /
Ottawa, Canada
Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy / Arlington, USA
Association Française du Froid/Alliance Froid Climatisation Environnement /
Paris, France
Business Council for a Sustainable Energy Future / Washington, D.C., USA
Centre for Business and the Environment / London, UK
Climate Action Network Latin America (CANLA) / Santiago, Chile
Climate Network Africa / Nairobi, Kenya
Climate Network Europe / Brussels, Belgium
Edison Electric Institute / Washington, D.C., USA
* Energy 21 / Boulogne, France
Environmental Defense Fund / Washington, D.C., USA
Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development / London, UK
Germanwatch / Bonn, Germany
Global Climate Coalition / Washington, D.C., USA
Global Industrial and Social Progress Research Institute / Tokyo, Japan
Greenpeace International / Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) / Taiwan, Province of China
Institut de Recherche sur l'Environnement / La Roche sur Foron, France
International Academy of the Environment / Conches, Switzerland
International Chamber of Commerce / Paris, France
International Climate Change Partnership / Arlington, USA
(2) International Institute for Energy Conservation - Europe / London, UK
International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association /
London, UK
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners / Columbus, USA
National Coal Association / Washington, D.C., USA
Natural Resources Defense Council / Washington, D.C., USA
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization / Tokyo, Japan
Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles / Paris, France
RainForest ReGeneration Institute / Washington, D.C., USA
Stockholm Environment Institute / Stockholm, Sweden
The Climate Council / Washington, D.C., USA
* The Fridtjof Nansen Institute / Lysaker, Norway
The Royal Institute of International Affairs / London, UK
The Woods Hole Research Center / Woods Hole, USA
Union of Concerned Scientists / Washington, D.C., USA
Union internationale des Producteurs et Distributeurs d'Energie Electrique /
Paris, France
U.S. Climate Action Network (CAN-USA) / Washington, D.C., USA
Verification Technology Information Centre / London, UK
World Coal Institute / London, UK
World Council of Churches / Geneva, Switzerland
World Resources Institute / Washington, D.C., USA
Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy / Wuppertal, Germany
World Wide Fund for Nature / Gland, Switzerland
The following documents were before the SBSTA at its second
session:
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/1 Provisional agenda
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/1/Add.1 Annotations to the provisional
agenda
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/2 Establishment of intergovernmental technical
advisory panel(s): report by the Chairman on his informal
consultations
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/3 Communications from Parties included in Annex I
to the Convention: report on the guidelines for the preparation of
first communications by Annex I Parties
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/4 Technology inventory and assessment: initial
report on an inventory and assessment of technologies to mitigate and
adapt to climate change
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/4/Add.1 Technology inventory and assessment:
initial report on an inventory and assessment of technologies to
mitigate and adapt to climate change - technology inventory
database
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/5 Activities implemented jointly under the pilot
phase: options for reporting guidelines
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/6 Cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/7 Scientific assessments: consideration of the
Second Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/7/Add.1 Scientific assessments: consideration of
the Second Assessment Report of IPCC. The science of climate change:
contribution of Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/7/Add.2 Scientific assessments: consideration of
the Second Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change. Scientific-technical analyses of impacts, adaptations
and mitigations of climate change: contribution of Working Group II
of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/7/Add.3 Scientific assessments: consideration of
the Second Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change. The economic and social dimension of climate change:
contribution of Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.1 Activities implemented jointly under the
pilot phase: views from Parties on a framework for
reporting
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.2 Background documents for the workshop on
mechanisms for inputs from non-governmental
organizations
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.3 Establishment of intergovernmental
technical advisory panel(s): positions of the Group of 77 and China
and of the United States of America
FCCC/SBSTA/1995/MISC.3 Establishment of intergovernmental technical
and Add.1 advisory panel(s): comments from Parties
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/L.1 Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific
and Technological advice: draft report of the Subsidiary Body for
Scientific and Technological Advice on its second
session
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/L.1/Add.1 Report of the Subsidiary Body for
Scientific and Technological advice: draft report of the Subsidiary
Body for Scientific and Technological Advice on its second session.
Scientific assessments: Agenda item 4 (a): Consideration of the
Second Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change Agenda item 4 (b): Cooperation with the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/L.1/Add.2 Report of the Subsidiary Body for
Scientific and Technological advice: draft report of the Subsidiary
Body for Scientific and Technological Advice on its second session.
National communications: communications from Parties included in
Annex I to the Convention
FCCC/SB/1996/1 National communications from Parties included
and Add.1 in Annex I to the Convention: elements of the
second compilation and synthesis report
FCCC/SB/1996/2 National communications from Parties included in
Annex I to the Convention: progress report on in-depth
reviews
FCCC/SB/1996/3 National communications from Parties not included
in Annex I to the Convention: issues related to the preparation,
compilation and consideration
FCCC/SB/1996/MISC.1 First communications from Parties not included
in Annex I to the Convention. Comments from Parties
FCCC/SB/1996/MISC.1/Add.1 National communications. Approach paper
by the Group of 77 and China on recommendations on guidelines and
format for preparation of initial communications from non-Annex I
Parties
FCCC/SB/1996/L.1 Extracts from the provisional reports of the
Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the
Subsidiary Body for Implementation
FCCC/SBI/1996/5 Transfer of technology
FCCC/SBI/1996/8 Arrangements for the second session of the
Conference of the Parties including elements for a provisional
agenda
All available research results in the open literature relevant to
all SBSTA items are addressed in either the Second Assessment Report
or the IPCC Special Report on Radiative Forcing (IPCC 1994). All
SBSTA items will be covered in the Third Assessment Report. It is
recognized that particular emphasis would be placed on the technical
papers and on regional scenarios of climate change, regional impacts
of climate change and response measures, methodological and
technological aspects of technology transfer, and adaptation
measures.
|
|
|
|
Regional scenarios of climate change |
Recommendations on scenario development in 1996/1997 for application in impacts assessments |
Workshop and Special Report1 |
Workshop in 2nd half 1996; Special Report to be determined by IPCC-XII |
Regional impacts of climate change |
a) Integration of sectoral impact assessments in Second
Assessment Report, with focus on vulnerabilities, regional
aspects, and critical zones, with consideration of issues
related to Article 4.8, 4.9, 4.10 b) Development of vulnerability indicators |
a) Technical Paper2 b) Special Report1 |
a) Late 1996/early 1997 b) To be determined by IPCC-XII |
Full scientific assessments3 |
A full assessment of the science, impacts, adaptation, mitigation, economic and social aspects of climate change |
Third Assessment Report |
Third Assessment Report (2000) |
Detection of climate change |
Research on this topic to be monitored and assessed by IPCC |
Special Report1 |
To be determined by IPCC-XII |
Emissions inventory methodologies3 |
IPCC will continue preparation of information for Phase II Guidelines, in cooperation with, inter alia, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, particularly revisions for CH4 |
Revised IPCC Guidelines on GHG inventories4 |
Three workshops planned in 1st/2nd quarters 1996; Adoption4 at IPCC-XII |
Methodological and technological aspects of technology transfer |
Synthesis of information in Second Assessment Report, to assess experience on such issues as: (i) types of transfer, technology evaluation, and options; (ii) sectors targeted; (iii) role of participants (for example, Governments, private sector, IGOs, NGOs); (iv) approaches to promoting cooperation; (v) issues related to capacity building |
Technical Paper2 |
Early 1997 |
Evaluation of technologies |
Assessment of major constraints to innovative, state-of-the-art technologies, and promising approaches for overcoming them |
Technical Paper2 Special Report1 |
Early 1997 To be determined by IPCC-XII |
Modelling of stabilization scenarios towards addressing Article 2 |
a) Scenarios and pathways for global stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations to meet a range of possible targets for rates of temperature and sealevel change and absolute temperature and sealevel change, and economic considerations |
Technical Paper2 |
Early 1997 |
Implications of emission limitations |
a) Assess the economic impacts on all Parties, including
non-Annex I Parties, of any proposed new commitments to be
undertaken by Annex I Parties b) Assess the implications of different emissions limitation proposals including any proposed new commitments to be undertaken by Annex I Parties on projected temperature increases, sealevel rise and other changes in climate |
a) Technical Paper2 Special Report1 b) Technical paper2 Special Report1 |
a) Early 1997 To be determined by IPCC-XII b) Early 1997 To be determined by IPCC-XII |
Adaptation measures |
Adaptation options, enhancing resilience of systems, and costs of adaptation |
Workshop (1997) Special Report1 |
To be determined by IPCC-XII |
Integrated assessment modelling |
Integrated assessment modelling including land-use considerations, with a focus on meeting the needs of, and building capacity in developing countries |
Workshop(s) Special Report1 |
1996/1997 To be determined by IPCC-XII |
Simple climate models |
Status of simple climate models |
Technical Paper2 |
1996/1997 |
Impacts of response measures |
Identification of technical, socio-economic, and environmental aspects of Article 4.8, 4.9 and 4.10 |
Special Report1 |
To be determined by IPCC-XII |
1/ Initiation of all Special Reports is subject to approval
by the IPCC at its XIIth session. Special Reports will follow the
full IPCC review and approval procedures and require approximately 18
months for preparation and approval.
2/ Technical papers will require approximately 6 to 9
months for preparation, review and release by the Bureau of the
IPCC.
3/ Already included in the IPCC programme of work for
1996-1997.
4/ Using previous IPCC peer-review process.
1. The initial framework for reporting must have a simple and
transparent structure. It is expected that subsequent sessions of the
COP and its subsidiary bodies could elaborate further on the
framework for reporting, taking into account the information provided
by the initial reports transmitted to the secretariat or comments
expressed by Parties.
2. The nature of the information contained in the initial reports
to be provided by Parties involved in activities implemented jointly
will be relevant information for the evaluation of the ongoing pilot
phase.
IMPLEMENTED JOINTLY
3. Each national Government of Parties involved in activities
implemented jointly should report separately to the COP through the
secretariat on a project-by-project basis unless participating
Parties agree on a common report on a particular project. Any Party
may report on national programmes for activities implemented jointly,
for information purposes only.
4. If the Parties choose not to report jointly, the secretariat
will not process information on that project until reports on that
project from all Parties concerned, particularly developing country
Parties, are transmitted to the secretariat.
5. Reports may be transmitted to the secretariat at any time and
should be updated if possible, preferably each year, unless
participating Parties decide otherwise.
6. The reports should include:
(a) Description of the project (type of the project,
identification of all actors involved, institutional arrangements,
actual costs to the extent possible, technical data, long-term
viability of the project, location, lifetime, mutually agreed project
assessment procedures, and so forth);
(b) Governmental acceptance, approval or endorsement;
(c) Compatibility with and supportiveness of national economic
development and socio-economic and environment priorities and
strategies;
(d) Benefits derived from the activities implemented jointly
project;
(e) Calculation of the contribution of activities implemented
jointly projects that bring about real, measurable and long-term
environmental benefits related to the mitigation of climate change
that would not have occurred in the absence of such
activities;
(f) Additionality to financial obligations of Parties included in
Annex II to the Convention within the framework of the financial
mechanism as well as to current official development assistance
flows;
(g) Contribution to capacity building, transfer of environmentally
sound technologies and know-how to other Parties, particularly
developing country Parties, to enable them to implement the
provisions of the Convention. In this process, the developed country
Parties shall support the development and enhancement of endogenous
capacities and technologies of developing country
Parties;
(h) Additional comments if any including any practical experience
gained or technical difficulties, effects, impacts or other obstacles
encountered.
1. For decisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties at its first session, see document FCCC/CP/1995/7/Add.1.