Distr.
GENERAL
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/13
24 October 1996
Original: ENGLISH
SUBSIDIARY BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE
Third session
Geneva, 9-16 July 1996
Paragraphs Page
I. OPENING OF THE SESSION 1 - 2 4
(Agenda item 1)
II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS 3 - 13 4
(Agenda item 2)
A. Adoption of the agenda 3 - 6 4
B. Election of officers other than the Chairman 7 5
C. Organization of the work of the session 8 - 9 5
D. Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and
Technological Advice to the Conference of the Parties 10 - 11 6
E. Attendance 12 6
F. Documentation 13 6
GE.96-
Paragraphs Page
III. SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENTS: CONSIDERATION
AND USE OF THE SECOND ASSESSMENT REPORT
OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON
CLIMATE CHANGE 14 - 20 7
(Agenda item 3)
IV. NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS 21 - 30 8
(Agenda item 4)
A. Communications from Parties included in Annex I
to the Convention: guidelines, schedule and process
for consideration 21 - 25 8
B. Communications from Parties not included in Annex I
to the Convention: guidelines, facilitation and process
for consideration 26 - 30 9
V. ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED JOINTLY UNDER
THE PILOT PHASE 31 - 38 10
(Agenda item 5)
VI. DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGIES 39 - 45 12
(Agenda item 6)
VII. MECHANISMS FOR CONSULTATIONS WITH
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 46 - 50 12
(Agenda item 7)
VIII. PROGRAMME OF WORK 51 - 70 14
(Agenda item 8)
A. Establishment of a roster of experts 51 - 56 14
B. Research and observation issues 57 - 62 15
C. Cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change 63 - 67 16
D. Review of the longer-term programme 68 - 70 17
Paragraphs Page
IX. REPORT ON THE SESSION 71 - 72 17
(Agenda item 9)
I. Documents before the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and
Technological Advice at its third session 18
II. Scientific assessments: consideration and use of the Second
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change: summary by the Chairman of the SBSTA
of discussion and draft decision for consideration by the
Conference of the Parties at its second session 21
1. The third session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (hereinafter referred to as "the SBSTA") was held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva from
9 to 16 July 1996.
2. The Chairman of the SBSTA, Mr. Tibor Faragó, opened the
session at the 1st meeting, on 9 July 1996. He welcomed all
participants, and expressed his pleasure at being re-elected as
Chairman of the SBSTA by the Conference of the Parties (COP) at its
second session.
3. At its 1st meeting, on 9 July, the SBSTA considered the
provisional agenda contained in document FCCC/CP/1996/1.
4. A statement was made by the representative of one
Party.
5. At the same meeting, the SBSTA adopted the provisional agenda
as orally amended, as follows:
1. Opening of the session.
2. Organizational matters:
(a) Adoption of the agenda;
(b) Election of officers other than the Chairman;
(c) Organization of the work of the session;
(d) Report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological
Advice to the Conference of the Parties.
3. Scientific assessments: consideration and use of the Second
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change.
4. National communications:
(a) Communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention: guidelines, schedule and process for consideration;
(b) Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention: guidelines, facilitation and process for consideration.
5. Activities implemented jointly under the pilot
phase.
6. Development and transfer of technologies.
7. Mechanisms for consultations with non-governmental
organizations.
8. Programme of work:
(a) Establishment of a roster of experts;
(b) Research and observation issues;
(c) Cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change;
(d) Review of the longer-term programme.
9. Report on the session.
6. The SBSTA also agreed to consider and make recommendations on a
number of issues referred to it by the Conference of the Parties (see
FCCC/CP/1996/15, para. 21 (c) and (d).
7. At its 1st meeting, on 9 July, the SBSTA considered the
sub-item on the election of officers other than the Chairman. The
Chairman informed the SBSTA that the President of the Conference of
the Parties was continuing his consultations on the election of
officers of the Bureau other than the President. Since the elections
of officers of the Conference of the Parties and those of the SBSTA,
the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Ad Hoc Group on
Article 13 were being considered as a package, the SBSTA agreed to
the Chairman's proposal to await the outcome of these consultations
before considering further the issue of the election of SBSTA
officers other than the Chairman. Subsequently, it did not prove
possible to reach an agreement (see FCCC/CP/1996/15, para.
18).
8. The SBSTA considered the sub-item on organization of the work
of the session at its 1st meeting, on 9 July, during which the
Chairman recalled the need to start on time as otherwise services for
interpretation would be lost. He noted that the Conference of the
Parties would consider items in an integrated way and therefore
coordination would be required between the SBSTA and the SBI on items
appearing on the agendas of both these bodies. He expressed his
intention to work with the Chairman of the SBI to ensure such
coordination. Any recommendations to the COP for the adoption of
decisions would be contained in in-session documents of the
Conference of the Parties, combining, where relevant, the inputs from
the SBSTA and the SBI.
9. Statements were made by the representatives of four
Parties.
Advice to the Conference of the Parties
10. At its 6th meeting, on 11 July, the SBSTA considered the
sub-item on the report of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and
Technological Advice to the Conference of the Parties.
11. The SBSTA noted that the reports of the SBSTA on its first and
second sessions would be before the Conference of the Parties at its
second session. It requested the Chairman of the SBSTA to provide an
oral report to the plenary of the COP on the progress achieved by the
SBSTA at its third session (see FCCC/CP/1996/15, para.
63).
12. For the lists of attendance at the third session of the SBSTA,
see the report of the Conference of the Parties on its second
session, Part One, chapter II, section J
(FCCC/CP/1996/15).
13. The documents before the SBSTA at its third session are listed
in annex I, below.
ASSESSMENT REPORT OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON
14. At its 1st, 2nd, 9th and 10th meetings, on 9, 15 and 16 July,
the SBSTA discussed the item on the Second Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
15. The following documents provided the background for discussion: FCCC/CP/1996/5 and Add.1-3 (double symbol document: see also FCCC/SBSTA/1996/7/Rev.1 and
Add.1-3/Rev.1); FCCC/CP/1996/10; FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.4;
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/8, paras. 18-32 (containing a previous discussion on
the item), and decision 6/CP.1(1)
outlining the terms of reference of the SBSTA.
16. The discussion was prefaced by a statement by the Chairman of
the IPCC who also responded to questions.
17. Statements were made by the representatives of 50 Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its
member States, one speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China,
and another speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States
(AOSIS).
18. Representatives of two States not parties to the Convention
also made statements.
19. A representative of a non-governmental organization made a
statement.
20. After informal consultations, the SBSTA decided that the
Chairman should present his summary of the discussion and draft
decision for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its
second session (FCCC/CP/1996/L.11). (See also annex II,
below.)
guidelines, schedule and process for consideration
21. At its 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 8th meetings, on 9, 10, 12 and 15
July, respectively, the SBSTA considered the sub-item on
communications from Parties included in Annex I to the
Convention.
22. The corresponding item of the COP agenda was referred to the SBSTA and the SBI by the Conference of the Parties, at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 8 July (see FCCC/CP/1996/15, para. 21 (d)).
23. The SBSTA had before it the following documents: "Proposed
revisions to the guidelines for the preparation of national
communications by Annex I Parties" (see FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9 and Add.1
and 2); "National communications from Annex I Parties" (for
summaries: see document series FCCC/NC/....); "Compilation and
synthesis of first national communications: executive summary"
(FCCC/CP/1996/12); "Compilation and synthesis of first national
communications" (FCCC/CP/1996/12/Add.1); "Tables of inventories of
anthropogenic emissions and removals and projections for 2000"
(FCCC/CP/1996/12/Add.2); "Comments from Parties"
(FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.4), as well as available in-depth review
reports and their summaries (document series FCCC/IDR.1/(country
code)).
24. Statements were made by the representatives of 22 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.
25. At its 8th meeting, on 15 July, having considered a proposal
made by the Chairman on the basis of informal consultations, the
SBSTA adopted the following conclusions:
(a) The SBSTA took note of secretariat document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9,
including the proposal for revisions to the guidelines for the
preparation of national communications by Annex I Parties, and of the
technical aspects of the second compilation and synthesis of first
national communications (FCCC/CP/1996/12 and Add.1 and
2);
(b) The SBSTA decided to recommend, in conjunction with the SBI, a
draft decision on guidelines, schedule and process for the
consideration of communications from Parties included in Annex I
(FCCC/CP/1996/L.13 and Add.1) for adoption by the Conference of the
Parties at its second session. For the text of the decision by the
Conference of the Parties, see decision
9/CP.2;(2)
(c) The SBSTA invited Parties to submit their views on the
methodological issues identified in secretariat documents
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9/Add.1 and 2, as well as on other methodological
issues related to national communications from Annex I Parties, by 15
October 1996, for possible inclusion in the programme of work of the
SBSTA;
(d) The SBSTA invited the SBI and the Ad Hoc Group on the Berlin
Mandate (AGBM), should they deem fit, to consider the implications of
methodological issues, such as those considered in documents
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9 and Add.1 and 2, in their own work.
guidelines, facilitation and process for consideration
26. At its 3rd, 4th and 10th meetings, on 10 and 16 July, the
SBSTA considered the sub-item on communications from Parties not
included in Annex I.
27. The corresponding item of the COP agenda was referred to the
SBSTA and the SBI by the Conference of the Parties, at its 2nd
plenary meeting, on 8 July (see FCCC/CP/1996/15, para. 21
(d)).
28. The SBSTA had before it 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 had also been
before the SBSTA at its second session. It also had before it
document FCCC/SB/1996/L.2 containing a draft decision of the SBSTA
and the SBI proposed by the Group of 77 and China on guidelines and
format for the preparation of initial communications from Parties not
included in Annex I.
29. Statements were made by the representatives of nine Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and
another speaking on behalf of the European Community and its member
States.
30. At its 10th meeting, on 16 July, having considered a proposal
made by the Chairman on the basis of informal consultations, the
SBSTA adopted the following conclusions:
(a) The SBSTA took note of document FCCC/SB/1996/L.2;
(b) The SBSTA decided to recommend, in conjunction with the SBI, a
draft decision on guidelines, facilitation and process for the
consideration of communications from Parties not included in Annex I
(FCCC/CP/1996/L.12) for adoption by the COP at its second session.
For the text of the decision by the Conference of the Parties, see
decision 10/CP.2.
31. At its 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th meetings, on 10, 11, 12 and 15
July, respectively, the SBSTA considered the item on activities
implemented jointly under the pilot phase.
32. The corresponding item of the COP agenda was referred to the
SBSTA and the SBI by the Conference of the Parties, at its 2nd
plenary meeting, on 8 July (see FCCC/CP/1996/15, para. 21
(c)).
33. The SBSTA had before it a progress report prepared by the
secretariat (FCCC/CP/1996/14 and Add.1).
34. Statements were made by the representatives of 32 Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and
another speaking on behalf of the European Community and its member
States.
35. A few Parties mentioned that the progress report contained
information that had not been confirmed by all Parties concerned, and
in some cases needed to be corrected.
36. The representative of a State not party to the Convention also
made a statement.
37. The representative of a non-governmental organization made a statement.
38. At its 8th meeting, on 15 July, having considered a proposal
made by the Chairman on the basis of informal consultations, the
SBSTA adopted the following conclusions:
(a) The SBSTA requested the secretariat to make suggestions with
regard to a uniform reporting format to promote the consistency of
reports with the initial reporting framework and to prepare an
initial list of methodological issues for consideration at the next
session of the SBSTA. Parties could submit views on the reporting
format and the list of methodological issues by 1 September
1996;
(b) The SBSTA requested the secretariat to organize a round table
on activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase (AIJ) in
conjunction with the fourth session of the SBSTA in December 1996.
This round table should provide for the exchange of information and
experience on ongoing AIJ projects and programmes;
(c) The SBSTA requested the secretariat to integrate information
on AIJ in the CC:INFO database and reporting system and to implement
an information exchange on AIJ in the context of CC:INFO information
exchange activities;
(d) Noting that reports may be submitted at any time, the SBSTA
invited the secretariat to prepare in concise form a first update
reflecting reports and submissions by Parties for the fourth session
of the SBSTA in December 1996;
(e) The SBSTA invited Parties to report in accordance with the
initial reporting framework. The deadline for the submission of
reports to be taken into account in the synthesis report for the
third session of the Conference of the Parties would be announced at
the fourth session of SBSTA;
(f) The SBSTA recalled that Parties had been invited to identify
the relevant governmental authority or ministry authorized to accept,
approve or endorse activities implemented jointly and to report them
to the Conference of the Parties through the
secretariat;
(g) The SBSTA recalled that the financing of activities
implemented jointly shall be additional to the 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;
(h) The SBSTA decided to recommend, in conjunction with the SBI, a draft decision on activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase (FCCC/CP/1996/L.7) for adoption by the COP at its second session. For the text of the decision by the Conference of the Parties, see decision 8/CP.2.
39. At its 6th and 10th meetings, on 11 and 16 July, respectively,
the SBSTA considered the item on development and transfer of
technologies.
40. The corresponding item of the COP agenda was referred to the SBSTA and the SBI by the Conference of the Parties, at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 8 July (see FCCC/CP/1996/15, para. 21 (c)).
41. The SBSTA had before it two documents prepared by the
secretariat on this matter (FCCC/CP/1996/11 and
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/4/Add.2).
42. 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 Group of 77 and
China.
43. The representative of a State not party to the Convention also
made a statement.
44. The representative of an intergovernmental organization made a
statement.
45. At its 10th meeting, on 16 July, having considered a proposal
made by the Chairman on the basis of informal consultations, the
SBSTA requested the SBI to prepare a draft decision on the
development and transfer of technologies, to be recommended by both
subsidiary bodies for adoption by the COP at its second session. This
draft decision is contained in document FCCC/CP/1996/L.16. For the
text of the decision by the Conference of the Parties, see decision
7/CP.2.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
46. At its 4th and 6th meetings, on 10 and 11 July, respectively,
the SBSTA considered the item on mechanisms for consultations with
non-governmental organizations.
47. The SBSTA had before it a note by the secretariat on this
matter (FCCC/SBSTA/1996/11) and a compilation of the views of
non-governmental organizations (FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.2).
48. Statements were made by the representatives of five Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its
member States.
49. Statements were made by the representatives of two
non-governmental organizations.
50. On the basis of a proposal by the Chairman, the SBSTA, at its
6th meeting, on 11 July, adopted the following
conclusions:
(a) The SBSTA expressed appreciation for documents
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/11 and FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.2 on consultative
mechanisms for non-governmental inputs to the
Convention;
(b) The SBSTA recognized the importance of the role which business
and industry, municipal leaders and local authorities, and
environmental organizations can play in implementing the objective of
the Convention;
(c) The SBSTA welcomed the contributions made at the workshop on
consultative mechanisms for non-governmental organization inputs to
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held on 2
March 1996. Since consensus on mechanisms for consultation had not
yet been reached by non-governmental organizations participating in
the workshop, the SBSTA proposed that for the time being emphasis
should be given to improving existing consultative
processes;
(d) The SBSTA therefore proposed that as a next step the
secretariat should explore further with non-governmental groups
current mechanisms and procedures for consultation with a view to
establishing how they might be made more efficient. The suggestion
was made in this regard that it would be helpful also to examine the
initiatives that the IPCC is taking to obtain access to a wider range
of expertise in the technological areas. On the basis of these
discussions, a paper could be prepared for consideration by the SBSTA
at its fourth session with the aim of reaching a conclusive decision
on the creation of a consultative mechanism.
51. At its 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 10th meetings, on 10, 11, 12 and
16 July, the SBSTA considered the sub-item on the establishment of a
roster of experts.
52. The SBSTA had before it a note by the secretariat on this
matter (FCCC/SBSTA/1996/10), as well a compilation of the views of
Parties (FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.4).
53. Statements were made by the representatives of 10 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 (AOSIS).
54. The SBSTA recalled that the Conference of the Parties, earlier
in its second session, had requested the SBSTA to revert to the
question of the establishment of intergovernmental technical advisory
panel(s) at a future session, to be specified, in the light of any
experience gained from the operation of any roster of
experts.
55. The SBSTA also recalled that it had requested the SBI to
prepare a draft decision on the development and transfer of
technologies, to be recommended by both subsidiary bodies, for
adoption by the COP at its second session. (For the text of the
decision by the Conference of the Parties, see decision 7/CP.2.)
Furthermore, the SBSTA requested the SBI to consider, in that
context, the role of a roster of experts.
56. On the basis of a proposal by the Chairman, at its 10th
meeting, on 16 July, the SBSTA, noting the progress that had been
made in the SBI on this matter, decided to take up the issues of a
roster of experts and intergovernmental technical advisory panel(s)
at a future session, taking into account any experience that would be
developed with a roster.
57. At its 6th meeting, on 11 July, the SBSTA considered the
sub-item on research and observation issues.
58. The SBSTA had before it a note by the secretariat on this
matter (SBSTA/1996/10/Add.1).
59. Statements were made by the representatives of six Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the Temperate Southern Hemisphere
Countries (the Valdivia
Group).(3)
60. The representative of a State not party to the Convention also
made a statement.
61. A statement was also made by the representative of the
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, in which reference
was made, inter alia, to its global database on the sea
level, which it offered to make available to Parties. A statement was
also made by the representative of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO), in which willingness was indicated to support
the IPCC in the development of a special report on aviation, if the
IPCC would prepare such a report for the SBSTA. The Chairman of the
SBSTA noted the significance of such a report, and indicated that he
would bring this to the attention of the IPCC.
62. On the basis of a proposal by the Chairman, the SBSTA adopted
the following conclusions:
(a) The SBSTA took note of the document prepared by the
secretariat on research and systematic observation
(FCCC/SBSTA/10/Add.1);
(b) The SBSTA welcomed the activities of the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
(IOC), and other participants developing the Climate Agenda, and
invited these organizations to inform the SBSTA on recent activities
to coordinate long-term monitoring and research programmes related to
the oceans and the atmosphere in support of Article 5 of the
Convention, particularly the establishment of capacity and
capability-building mechanisms to assist the full participation of
developing countries;
(c) The SBSTA requested the secretariat to explore the situation
with respect to other areas of research, observation and data
processing, relevant to Articles 5 and 4.1(g), and report on this, as
appropriate, at a future session or sessions of the
SBSTA;
(d) The SBSTA invited the SBI to take account of Article 5, in particular
Article 5(c), when considering the issue of guidance to the
financial mechanism of the Convention.
63. At its 6th meeting, on 11 July, the SBSTA considered the
sub-item on cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change.
64. The SBSTA had before it a note by the secretariat on this
matter (FCCC/SBSTA/1996/10).
65. Statements were made by the representatives of eight Parties,
including one speaking on behalf of the European Community and its
member States.
66. A statement was also made by a representative of an
intergovernmental organization.
67. On the basis of a proposal by the Chairman, the SBSTA adopted
the following conclusions:
(a) The SBSTA took note of the information on the work undertaken
by the IPCC in response to requests from the SBSTA and the
AGBM;
(b) The SBSTA expressed its satisfaction with the cooperation
between the SBSTA and the IPCC, inter alia, through their
respective Bureaux and secretariats;
(c) The SBSTA welcomed the plans of the IPCC to prepare technical
papers, workshops and special reports, as indicated in document
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/10, and invited the secretariat to keep it informed
on the progress and outcome of the IPCC work.
68. At its 6th meeting, on 11 July, the SBSTA considered the
sub-item on review of the longer-term programme.
69. The SBSTA had before it a note by the secretariat on this
matter (FCCC/SBSTA/1996/10).
70. On the basis of a proposal by the Chairman, the SBSTA adopted
the following conclusions:
(a) The SBSTA endorsed the schedule for its longer-term work
programme, as presented in document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/10, recognizing
its tentative nature;
(b) The SBSTA took note of the summary report by the secretariat
of a meeting on methodologies, held with relevant international
organizations (see FCCC/SBSTA/1996/CRP.1) and requested the
secretariat to prepare a report on the matter for the fourth
session.
71. The SBSTA considered the item on the report on the session at
its 8th and 10th meetings, on 15 and 16 July, respectively. At its
10th meeting, on 16 July 1996, the SBSTA requested the Chairman, in
the absence of an elected Rapporteur, to prepare the report, with the
assistance of the secretariat, taking into account the discussions
and the conclusions reached during the session, as well as the need
for editorial adjustments.
72. The Chairman, after thanking all participants for their constructive cooperation, declared the third session of the SBSTA closed.
The following documents were before the SBSTA at its third
session:
FCCC/CP/1996/1 Provisional agenda and annotations, including
suggestions for the organization of work
FCCC/CP/1996/1/Add.2 Provisional agenda and annotations, including
suggestions for the organization of work. List of documents for the
second session of the Conference of the Parties and concurrent
sessions of subsidiary bodies
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/4/Add.2 Initial report on an inventory and assessment
of technologies to mitigate and adapt to climate
change: additions to the technology inventory
database
FCCC/CP/1996/5 Consideration of the Second Assessment Report
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/7/Rev.1 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change
FCCC/CP/1996/5/Add.1 Consideration of the Second Assessment Report
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/7/Add.1/Rev.1 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change. The science of climate change:
contribution of Working Group I of the IPCC
FCCC/CP/1996/5/Add.2 Consideration of the Second Assessment Report
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/7/Add.2/Rev.1 of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change. Scientific-technical analyses of impacts,
adaptations, and mitigation of climate change: contribution of
Working Group II of the IPCC
FCCC/CP/1996/5/Add.3 Consideration of the Second Assessment Report
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/7/Add.3/Rev.1 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change. The economic and social dimensions of
climate change: contribution of Working
Group III of the IPCC
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9 Communications from Parties included in Annex I
to the Convention: guidelines, schedule and process for
consideration. Possible revisions to the guidelines for the
preparation of national communications by Parties included in Annex I
to the Convention
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9/Add.1 Communications from Parties included in
Annex I to the Convention: guidelines, schedule and process for
consideration. Possible revisions to the guidelines for the
preparation of national communications by Parties included in Annex I
to the Convention: methodological issues
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/9/Add.2 Communications from Parties included in
Annex I to the Convention: guidelines, schedule and process for
consideration. Detailed information on electricity trade and
international bunker fuels
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/10 and Add.1 Programme of work: progress report on
issues in the programme of work of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific
and Technological Advice
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/11 Mechanisms for non-governmental organization
consultations: workshop on consultative mechanisms for
non-governmental organization inputs to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
FCCC/CP/1996/10 Consideration of the Second Assessment Report
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/12 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change. IPCC second assessment synthesis of scientific-technical
information relevant to interpreting Article 2 of the UNFCCC and
summaries for policymakers of Working Groups I, II, and III of the
IPCC
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.2 Workshop on consultative mechanisms for
non-governmental organization inputs to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change: views of non-governmental
organizations
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.3 Establishment of intergovernmental
technical advisory panel(s). Comments from Parties: positions of the
Group of 77 and China, and of the United States of
America
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.4 Consideration of the Second Assessment Report
of the IPCC. Research and observation issues.
National communications. Establishment of a roster of experts.
Development and transfer of technologies. Comments from
Parties
The following documents were also available:
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.2 National communications. Communications from
Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention. Guidelines for
preparation of initial communications from non-Annex I Parties. Draft
decision submitted by the Group of 77 and China
1. Discussions on this item were held during the 1st, 2nd, 9th and
10th meetings of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological
Advice (SBSTA) on 9, 15 and 16 July 1996.
2. The documents prepared for the session (FCCC/CP/1996/5;
FCCC/CP/1996/10, FCCC/SBSTA/1996/7/Rev.1 and Add.1-3/Rev.1,
FCCC/SBSTA/1996/MISC.4), the previous discussion on the item (see
paragraphs 18 to 32 of document FCCC/SBSTA/1996/8) and decision
6/CP.1 outlining the terms of reference of the SBSTA, formed the
backdrop for the discussion.
3. The discussion was prefaced by a statement by the Chairman of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) who also
responded to questions raised.
4. Statements were made by 50 Parties, including one on behalf of
the European Community and its member States, another on behalf of
the Group of 77 and China, and another on behalf of the Alliance of
Small Island States.
5. Representatives of two States not Parties to the Convention
also made statements.
6. A representative of one non-governmental organization made a statement.
7. In general, it was considered that:
(a) The Second Assessment Report of the IPCC represents currently
the most comprehensive and authoritative assessment of the available
scientific and technical information regarding global climate change,
its impacts and policy implications.
(b) The authors of the report and all scientists and other experts
involved in its preparation were to be commended for the time, effort
and dedication devoted to the report.
(c) The Second Assessment Report should be considered in its
entirety.
8. It was noted that:
(a) The Second Assessment Report gives an assessment of the
likelihood of current and future climate change and related impacts,
taking into account remaining uncertainties.
(b) The Second Assessment Report considers the vulnerability of
natural and human systems to climate change, and thresholds of
damage, but does not quantify what constitutes "dangerous
anthropogenic interference" with the climate system as defined in
Article 2 of the Convention. Such an assessment will be required to
fully address the ultimate objective of the Convention.
(c) More information will be required on regional scenarios of climate change and more effort should be directed at reducing uncertainties in current knowledge of climate change.
(d) "No regrets" policies and measures were available for
immediate use in many countries at little or no cost. There are large
differences in the costs of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and
enhancing sinks, among countries due to their states of economic
development, infrastructure choices, and natural resource
base.
(e) The socio-economic impacts on, and vulnerability of most
developing countries in such areas as agriculture, water resources
and public health, particularly in those countries with low-lying
coastal areas and the small island developing States, must be taken
into account.
(f) The vulnerability of many countries, including developing
countries and countries relying on production of fossil fuels, to the
economic impacts of potential policies or measures to limit or reduce
greenhouse gas emissions must be addressed.
(g) There is a need for all Parties to meet their commitments
taking into account the need for equity and differentiated
responsibilities.
9. There were divergent views on the implications of the Second
Assessment Report for the Convention. Views were expressed that the
Second Assessment Report provides a reliable basis for Parties to
take further action to mitigate climate change and that it should be
considered carefully by the Conference of the Parties (COP) and
particularly by the Ad Hoc Group on the Berlin Mandate (AGBM), in
their future activities, as a basis for urgent action. Views were
also expressed that due to the scientific uncertainties and lack of
sufficient economic analysis in the Second Assessment Report it would
be premature to take action beyond appropriate 'no regrets' policies
and measures to mitigate climate change now, and that more research
is required, and that the Second Assessment Report does not provide
adequate information to determine what constitutes dangerous levels
of greenhouse gas concentrations to use the report for achieving the
objective of the Convention (Article 2).
10. In subsequent discussion, the SBSTA prepared the following
draft decision, but could not reach consensus on its paragraph 1, as
indicated in the draft by two alternatives in square
brackets.
11. The SBSTA authorized its Chairman to convey this draft
decision to the COP, with the request that COP further consider it
with a view to reaching agreement on a decision regarding the use of
the Second Assessment Report of the IPCC.
The Conference of the Parties,
Recalling the mandate of the SBSTA as given in Article 9
and decision 6/CP.1 (FCCC/CP/7/Add.1) to,
Provide assessments of the state of scientific knowledge relating
to climate change and its effects (Article 9.2 (a)). In this
context:
(a) Summarize and, where necessary, convert the latest
international scientific, technical, socio-economic and other
information provided by competent bodies, including, inter
alia, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), into
forms appropriate to the needs of the Conference of the
Parties,
(b) Compile and synthesize scientific, technical and
socio-economic information on the global situation on climate change,
provided by, inter alia, the IPCC, as well as on the latest
developments in science, to the extent possible, and assess the
implications thereof for the implementation of the Convention; and
formulate requests to competent international scientific and
technical bodies,
Recalling also that the SBSTA held an exchange of views
on the Second Assessment Report during its second and third sessions
(FCCC/SBSTA/1996/8 and ..) and the recommendations of the
SBSTA,
Notes that the Second Assessment Report needs to be
considered as a whole;
Considers the Second Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to be the most
comprehensive and authoritative assessment now available of the
scientific and technical information regarding global climate
change;
1. [Decides that, the Second Assessment Report be used as
basis for urgent action to further the implementation of the
Convention and for developing a protocol or other legal instrument,
as provided for in the Berlin Mandate;]
1. [Decides that, the Second Assessment Report should be
taken into account during consideration of the implementation of the
Convention, including informing the process of negotiation, bearing
in mind the uncertainties and lack of certain information in the
report. Furthermore, the lack of the assessment of the dangerous
levels of the concentration of greenhouse gases for the climate
system does not allow to use the Second Assessment Report for
achieving the main goal of the Convention (Article 2);]
2. Expresses its appreciation to the IPCC, particularly
the Chairman of the IPCC and all its authors and scientists, for
their excellent work in drawing up the Second Assessment
Report;
3. Welcomes the commitment of the IPCC to undertake the
work programme requested in support of SBSTA and AGBM;
4. Urges continuing cooperation between the Convention
bodies and the IPCC.