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 2^oC 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.

SBSTA issue	Description of activity	IPCC product	Remarks
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.

2. ^* Non-governmental organization provisionally admitted.