Distr.

GENERAL

FCCC/SBSTA/1995/3

5 October 1995


Original: ENGLISH

SUBSIDIARY BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICEFirst session

Geneva, 28 August - 1 September 1995




REPORT OF THE SUBSIDIARY BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL

ADVICE ON THE WORK OF ITS FIRST SESSION HELD AT GENEVA FROM

28 AUGUST TO 1 SEPTEMBER 1995



CONTENTS


Paragraphs Page



I. OPENING OF THE SESSION 1 - 3 4

II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

(Agenda item 1) 4 - 13 4

 

A. Adoption of the agenda 4 4

 

B. Organization of work of the session 5 - 6 5

C. Attendance 7 - 11 5

D. Documentation 12 - 13 8



GE.95-

Paragraphs Page

III. ELABORATION AND SCHEDULING OF THE

PROGRAMME OF WORK, 1996-1997

(Agenda item 2) 14 - 45 9

A. Scientific assessments 19 - 21 9

B. Cooperation with competent international bodies

including the Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change 22 - 24 10

C. Transfer of technology 25 - 26 11

 

D. Establishment of intergovernmental technical

advisory panels 27 - 29 12

E. Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase 30 - 31 12

F. National communications from Parties included in

Annex I to the Convention 32 - 33 13

G. First communications from Parties not included

in Annex I to the Convention 34 - 35 14

H. Allocation and control of emissions from international

bunker fuels 36 - 37 14

I. Contributions to the Berlin Mandate process 38 - 39 15

J. Workshop on non-governmental inputs 40 - 41 15

K. Proposals on longer-term activities and organizational

arrangements 42 - 43 16

L. Report on the work of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific

and Technological Advice to the Conference of the

Parties at its second session 44 - 45 16

Paragraphs Page



IV. OTHER MATTERS ARISING FROM DECISIONS OF THE

CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES

(Agenda item 3) 46 - 50 17

A. Communications from Annex I Parties:

progress report on in-depth reviews 46 - 50 17



V. REPORT ON AND CLOSURE OF THE FIRST

SESSION

(Agenda item 4) 51 - 53 17




Annex


Initial list of items on which the Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change could provide input to the Subsidiary Body

for Scientific and Technological Advice 18


I. OPENING OF THE SESSION


1. The first session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (hereinafter referred to as "the SBSTA") was held at Geneva from 28 August to

1 September 1995. The session was convened in accordance with decision 6/CP.1,

paragraph 8 (FCCC/CP/1997/Add.1). However, the schedule of meetings for the SBSTA as given in annex III to that decision was changed following a meeting of the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties (COP) in Bonn on 19 June 1995. Accordingly, the session scheduled for October 1995 was brought forward to August 1995.

2. The Chairman of the SBSTA, Mr. Tibor Faragó, opened the session at the 1st meeting, on 28 August 1995. In welcoming the participants, he recalled that the SBSTA had been established under Article 9 of the Convention to provide timely information and advice on scientific and technological matters relating to the Convention. The basic functions of the SBSTA as outlined in Article 9 had been further elaborated in many of the decisions of the COP at its first session and particularly in decision 6/CP.1 on the roles of the subsidiary bodies. More recently, requests for advice had been received from the Ad Hoc Group on the Berlin Mandate (AGBM). There was therefore considerable work to be done. As Chairman, he undertook to fulfil his responsibilities as efficiently and effectively as possible and he called upon all participants to assist him in an active and constructive manner.

3. The Executive Secretary welcomed all participants to the session. He drew attention to the organizational nature of the session and to the distinctions between the responsibilities of the SBSTA and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) which had guided the secretariat in drawing up the proposed programmes of work of both bodies. He referred to several important matters on which decisions were expected from the session, including the establishment of the intergovernmental technical advisory panels, future cooperation with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the organization of a workshop on non-governmental inputs. He also emphasized the need to establish a clear schedule and, in particular, to define inputs required for the next session of the SBSTA in February 1996.


II. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS

(Agenda item 1)

 

A. Adoption of the agenda


4. At its 1st plenary meeting, on 28 August, the SBSTA adopted the following agenda:

1. Organizational matters:

(a) Adoption of the agenda;

(b) Organization of work of the session.



2. Elaboration and scheduling of the programme of work, 1996-1997.

3. Other matters arising from decisions of the Conference of the Parties:

(a) Communications from Annex I Parties: progress report on in-depth reviews.

4. Report on the session.


B. Organization of work of the session


5. At the 1st plenary meeting, on 28 August, the SBSTA decided not to establish

subgroups to consider individual items but to conduct its substantive consideration of its agenda in plenary sessions only.

6. At its 6th plenary meeting, on 30 August, the SBSTA agreed to adjourn and reconvene in plenary on Friday, 1 September, following informal consultations to be arranged by the Chairman.


C. Attendance


7. The first session of the SBSTA was attended by representatives of the following 83 Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change:

Algeria

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Bangladesh

Benin

Bolivia

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burkina Faso

Canada

Central African Republic

Chad

China

Colombia

Comoros

Cuba

Democratic People's

Republic of Korea

Denmark

Dominica

Ecuador

Egypt

Ethiopia

European Community

Fiji

Finland

France

Gambia

Germany

Greece

Guinea

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Italy

Jamaica

Japan

Kenya

Kuwait

Lao People's Democratic

Republic

Lebanon

Lesotho

Malaysia

Maldives

Mali

Malta

Mauritania

Mauritius

Mexico

Micronesia (Federated

States of)

Myanmar

Nepal

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nigeria

Norway

Pakistan

Panama

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Republic of Korea

Russian Federation

Saudi Arabia

Slovak Republic

Spain

Sudan

Sweden

Switzerland

Thailand

Togo

Trinidad and Tobago

Uganda

United Kingdom of

Great Britain and

Northern Ireland

United States of

America

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

Viet Nam

Zambia

Zimbabwe





8. The session was also attended by observers from the following States not parties to the Convention:

Angola

Belgium

El Salvador

Gabon

Honduras

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Madagascar

Morocco

Niger

Sierra Leone

South Africa

United Republic of

Tanzania

9. The following United Nations offices and programmes were represented:

 

United Nations Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development (DPCSD) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (HABITAT)

10. The following specialized agencies of the United Nations and related organizations were represented:

 

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC)

United Nations Institute for Training & Research

WMO/UNEP Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

World Health Organization (WHO)

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

World Trade Organization (WTO)



11. The following intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations were represented:

Intergovernmental organizations:

International Energy Agency (IEA)

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Non-governmental organizations:

Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy / Arlington, USA

Association Française du Froid/Alliance Froid Climatisation Environnement / Paris, France British Fire Protection Systems Association Limited / Kingston-upon-thames, UK

Centre for Business and the Environment / London, UK

Climate Action Network UK / London, UK

Climate Network Europe / Brussels, Belgium

Earth Council / San José, Costa Rica

Edison Electric Institute / Washington, USA

Environmental Defense Fund / Washington, USA

Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development / London, UK

Global Climate Coalition / Washington, USA

Global Industrial and Social Progress Research Institute / Tokyo, Japan

Greenpeace International / Amsterdam, Netherlands

Industrial Technology Research Institute / Hsinchu, 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

International Council of Environmental Law / Bonn, Germany

International Council of Women / Paris, France

International Gas Union / Groningen, Netherlands

International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers / Paris, France

International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association / London, UK International Society on Optics Within Life Sciences / Münster, Germany

National Coal Association / Washington, USA

Natural Resources Defense Council / Washington, USA

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization / Tokyo, Japan

ProClim - Swiss Forum for Climate and Global Change / Bern, Switzerland

RainForest ReGeneration Institute / Washington, USA

Stockholm Environment Institute / Stockholm, Sweden

Tata Energy Research Institute / New Delhi, India

The Climate Council / Washington, USA

The Woods Hole Research Center / Woods Hole, USA

Verification Technology Information Centre / London, UK

World Coal Institute / London, UK

Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy / Wuppertal, Germany

WWF-International / Gland, Switzerland


D. Documentation


12. The following documents were before the SBSTA at its first session:

FCCC/SBSTA/1995/1 Provisional agenda and annotations

and Corr.1

FCCC/SBSTA/1995/2 Proposed programme of work

FCCC/SBSTA/1995/MISC.1 Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase: views from Parties on a framework for reporting

FCCC/SBSTA/1995/MISC.2 Elaboration and scheduling of the programme of work, 1996-1997: contribution by the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.1 Cooperation with competent international bodies, including the IPCC. Draft conclusions proposed by the officers

FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2 Elaboration and scheduling of the programme of work, 1996-1997. Other matters arising from decisions of the Conference of the Parties. Draft conclusions proposed by the officers

13. The following documents were also available:

FCCC/CP/1995/7 and Add.1 Report of the Conference of the Parties on its first session, held at Berlin from 28 March to 7 April 1995

FCCC/SB/1995/INF.1 Division of labour between the subsidiary bodies established by the Convention

FCCC/SB/1995/MISC.1 First communications from Parties not included in

Annex I to the Convention





III.ELABORATION AND SCHEDULING OF THE

PROGRAMME OF WORK, 1996-1997

(Agenda item 2)

 

14. At its 1st and 2nd plenary meetings, on 28 August, the SBSTA addressed its work programme during a comprehensive general discussion which was followed, at the second and subsequent meetings, by consideration of the different sub-items. Discussions focused on the sub-items on cooperation with competent international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (see section III B below), and on the establishment of intergovernmental technical advisory panels (see section III D below), in relation to which the Vice-Chairman and the Chairman, respectively, undertook informal consultations to prepare their proposals for conclusions.

15. With respect to the work programme and its sub-items, statements were made by

44 Parties, including one speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, one on behalf of the European Community and its member States and another on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), some speaking more than once.

16. At the 2nd plenary meeting, the Secretary of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented a statement on behalf of the Chairman of the IPCC.

17. Statements were also made by the representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as well as by a representative of the Montreal Protocol Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, speaking on behalf of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

18. Also at the 2nd plenary meeting, a statement was made by a representative of the Climate Action Network UK on behalf of environmental non-governmental organizations.


A. Scientific assessments

 

1. Proceedings


19. This sub-item was considered at the 2nd, 3rd and 7th plenary meetings on

28 and 29 August and 1 September.

20. At the 2nd plenary meeting on 28 August, the representative of the IPCC responded to questions arising from the statement of the Chairman of the IPCC.


2. Conclusions


21. Having discussed a text proposed by the Chairman (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2), the SBSTA adopted the following conclusion:

 

(a) The SBSTA noted that the IPCC would adopt the Second Assessment Report at its December session. It was recognized that this would include important information for the Convention, and would require priority attention at the second session to enable the SBSTA to provide relevant advice to the AGBM as requested (FCCC/AGBM/1995/2, para. 19 (f)). The secretariat was requested to prepare a document for consideration by the SBSTA, identifying issues and suggesting what future inputs might be needed, including those relevant to the AGBM process.


B. Cooperation with competent international bodies including the

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

 

1. Proceedings


22. This sub-item was considered at the 2nd, 3rd and 7th plenary meetings on

28 and 29 August and 1 September.

23. At the 2nd plenary meeting on 28 August, the representative of the IPCC responded to some questions arising from the statement of the Chairman of the IPCC.


2. Conclusions


24. Having discussed a text proposed by the Chairman (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.1), the SBSTA adopted the following conclusions:

(a) The SBSTA expressed strong support for the continued functioning of the IPCC as one of the independent and prominent sources of scientific and technical information relevant to the implementation of the Convention, as specified in Article 9;

(b) The SBSTA would also cooperate with competent international bodies and programmes in areas related to scientific, methodological, technical, socio-economic and technological questions in accordance with decisions 4, 5, 6 and 13 adopted at COP 1 (FCCC/CP/1995/7/Add.1);

(c) The SBSTA identified a list of areas in which it could draw upon the assistance of the IPCC in order to provide the COP with timely information and advice on relevant scientific and technical issues. This list of areas, which is preliminary and necessarily of a general nature, is presented in the annex to this report. The list is subject to changes, modifications, refinements and additions. There will also be a need to identify short- and long-term requirements. The SBSTA requested its Bureau to hold joint meetings with the Officers of the IPCC and report to each of its sessions on the outcome of these meetings;

(d) The SBSTA also envisaged the need for scientific and technical advice from the IPCC on special emerging topics to be made available within short periods of time (perhaps one year or so);

(e) The SBSTA agreed that there would be a need for close coordination between the SBSTA and the IPCC in identifying more specific proposals for jointly agreed tasks and considering such matters as time-frames for implementation and financial implications, including contributions to the IPCC from the Convention budget. It felt that this would be particularly important after the consideration by the SBSTA of the IPCC Second Assessment Report;

(f) After consideration by the SBSTA of the IPCC Second Assessment Report, the secretariat should prepare a list of priority areas and propose time-frames in which inputs from the IPCC would be required for the future work of the SBSTA;

(g) This sub-item would be kept under regular review by the SBSTA.


C. Transfer of technology

 

1. Proceedings


25. This sub-item was considered at the 4th and 7th plenary meetings on 29 August and

1 September.


2. Conclusions


26. Having considered a text proposed by the Chairman (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2), the SBSTA agreed on the following conclusion:

(a) The SBSTA, recalling the decisions of the COP (FCCC/CP/1995/7/Add.1,

decision 13/CP.1), endorsed the division of labour with the SBI on this item, as suggested by the secretariat in its document FCCC/SB/1995/INF.1, and will consider the item at its future sessions. Particular attention will be given to the report requested by the AGBM for its third session. The SBSTA requested the secretariat to prepare, for consideration at its second session, an initial progress report relating to technology identification, assessment and

development, as well as an inventory of state-of-the-art, environmentally sound and economically viable technologies and know-how conducive to mitigating and adapting to climate change, in implementation of decision 13/CP.1.


D. Establishment of intergovernmental technical advisory panels

 

1. Proceedings


27. This sub-item was considered at the 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th plenary meetings on 29 and 30 August and 1 September.

28. The delegate of the Philippines, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, expressed the Group's deep disappointment that no agreement was reached on the establishment of the technical panels, despite the Group's efforts to arrive at a compromise, including its preparedness to accept, by applying but not adopting, and subject to further consideration at the next SBSTA session, the proposals originally made by the Chairman.


2. Conclusions


29. The SBSTA based its discussions on the secretariat proposals contained in document FCCC/SBSTA/1995/2 and on a subsequent informal paper proposed by the Chairman. In agreeing to resume discussions on the sub-item at its second session, the SBSTA adopted the following conclusions:

(a) The SBSTA requested the secretariat to compile submissions received from Parties by 30 October 1995 on the intergovernmental technical advisory panels;

(b) The SBSTA also requested its Chairman to continue consultations on the establishment of the intergovernmental technical advisory panels, particularly during the week of 30 October to 3 November when the second session of the AGBM will take place in Geneva.


E. Activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase

 

1. Proceedings


30. This sub-item was considered at the 4th and 7th plenary meetings on 29 August and

1 September.


 

2. Conclusions


31. Having considered a text proposed by the Chairman (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2), the SBSTA agreed on the following conclusion:

(a) The SBSTA requested the secretariat to continue its compilation of submissions from Parties transmitted by 1 November 1995 concerning the reporting framework for activities implemented jointly under the pilot phase in a miscellaneous document to be considered at the second session of the SBSTA;

(b) The SBSTA also requested the secretariat to prepare proposals on a reporting framework, taking into consideration views expressed by Parties and experience gained in activities implemented jointly, for consideration at its future sessions, in coordination with the SBI, in order to allow the COP at its next annual session to review the progress of the pilot phase, in implementation of decision 5/CP.1.


F. National communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention

 

1. Proceedings


32. This sub-item was considered at the 3rd and 7th plenary meetings on 29th August and 1 September.


2. Conclusions


33. Having considered a text proposed by the Chairman (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2), the SBSTA adopted the following conclusions:

(a) The SBSTA endorsed the division of labour with the SBI on this sub-item, as suggested by the secretariat in its document FCCC/SB/1995/INF.1;

(b) The SBSTA agreed that the consideration of in-depth reviews would be a standing item on its agenda. A number of in-depth review reports were expected for the next session;

(c) The SBSTA requested the secretariat to present the first elements of the synthesis report of in-depth reviews for consideration at its second session with a view to finalizing the report at a later session for transmission to COP 2. Relevant conclusions would be forwarded to the AGBM in accordance with its request;

(d) The SBSTA, acknowledging the importance of improved comparability of communications, decided to return to the further development of guidelines for the preparation of national communications from Annex I Parties at its second and later sessions, on the basis of the report on the guidelines requested from the secretariat by COP 1 (FCCC/CP/1995/7/Add.1, decision 3/CP.1);

(e) On the issues relating to methodology to be addressed under this item of the work programme, the SBSTA saw the usefulness of drawing upon the work of competent international bodies, including, inter alia, the IPCC.


G. First communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention

 

1. Proceedings


34. This sub-item was considered at the 5th and 7th plenary meetings on 30 August and

1 September.


2. Conclusions


35. Having considered a text proposed by the Chairman (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2), the SBSTA adopted the following conclusions:

(a) The SBSTA requested the secretariat to prepare, for consideration by the SBSTA at its second session, recommendations on guidelines for the preparation of national communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention, taking into account the views expressed by the Parties and the papers submitted by the Parties, including document A/AC.237/MISC.40;

(b) The SBSTA further requested the secretariat to facilitate the exchange and sharing of information among Parties for the preparation of initial communications, including forums in which discussions of technical and common aspects of such communications could be undertaken, and to seek extrabudgetary funds for that purpose.


H. Allocation and control of emissions from international bunker fuels

 

1. Proceedings


36. This sub-item was considered at the 5th and 7th plenary meetings on 30 August and

1 September.


2. Conclusions


37. Having considered a text proposed by the Chairman, (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2), the SBSTA adopted the following conclusion:

(a) The SBSTA requested the secretariat to provide an options paper for consideration at a future session.


I. Contributions to the Berlin Mandate process

 

1. Proceedings


38. This sub-item was considered at the 3rd and 7th plenary meetings on 29 August and

1 September.

2. Conclusions


39. Having considered a text proposed by the Chairman (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2), the SBSTA adopted the following conclusion:

(a) The SBSTA took note of the requests for inputs from the AGBM, both in the short and longer term, and included these under the relevant agenda items as priority items.


J. Workshop on non-governmental inputs

 

1. Proceedings


40. This sub-item was considered at the 5th and 7th plenary meetings on 30 August and

1 September.


2. Conclusions


41. Having considered a text proposed by the Chairman (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2), the SBSTA adopted the following conclusion:

(a) SBSTA requested the secretariat to organize a workshop on non-governmental inputs, as foreseen in the work programme of the SBSTA, in cooperation with interested Parties and organizations. Such a workshop could possibly be held during the weekend preceding the next meeting of the SBSTA. Adequate participation, including that of

non-governmental organizations from developing countries, would have to be promoted and assistance provided. The conclusions of the workshop would be made available to the SBSTA for consideration at its second session. The workshop would have to be funded from extrabudgetary resources. In this context, the SBSTA noted with appreciation the support offered by two Parties. The views expressed by Parties would be taken into account in preparing for the workshop.


K. Proposals on longer-term activities and organizational arrangements

 

1. Proceedings


42. This sub-item was considered at the 5th and 7th plenary meetings on 30 August and

1 September.


2. Conclusions


43. Having considered a text proposed by the Chairman (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2), the SBSTA adopted the following conclusion:

(a) The SBSTA decided that this agenda item would be taken up at the next session.


L. Report on the work of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological

Advice to the Conference of the Parties at its second session

 

1. Proceedings


44. This sub-item was considered at the 5th and 7th plenary meetings on 30 August and

1 September.


2. Conclusions


45. Having considered a text proposed by the Chairman (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2), the SBSTA adopted the following conclusion:

(a) The SBSTA decided that this agenda item would be taken up at the next session.



IV.OTHER MATTERS ARISING FROM DECISIONS

OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES

(Agenda item 3)

 

A. Communications from Annex I Parties: progress report on in-depth reviews

 

1. Proceedings


46. At the 3rd plenary meeting on 29 August and again at the 7th plenary meeting on

1 September, this item was considered in conjunction with the sub-item on national communications from Parties included in Annex I to the Convention (see section III F above).

47. Statements were made by the representatives of 9 Parties, including one on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and another on behalf of the European Community and its member States.

48. The representative of the International Atomic Energy Agency made a statement.

49. The Executive Secretary made a statement.


2. Conclusions


50. Having considered a text proposed by the Chairman (FCCC/SBSTA/1995/L.2), the SBSTA adopted the following conclusions:

(a) The SBSTA took note of the progress report, document FCCC/SB/1995/1, provided by the secretariat. It noted with satisfaction that experts from a broad range of Parties had been involved in the review process thus far, including at least one expert from a developing country Party in each review team. The SBSTA noted with concern, however, that to date only 29 countries had nominated experts for the in-depth reviews, and that the time schedule for these reviews as set by the COP could not be fully met owing to resource limitations and/or scheduling problems. It urged Parties to nominate additional experts to meet the demands of the in-depth review process.


V. REPORT ON AND CLOSURE OF THE FIRST SESSION

(Agenda item 4)


51. At its 7th meeting, on 1 September, the SBSTA, in view of the brevity of the session, requested the Rapporteur, with the guidance of the Chairman and the assistance of the secretariat, to prepare the report of the session and to include therein any conclusions adopted at the session.

52. The Executive Secretary made a statement concerning the financial implications of action requested by the SBSTA, pointing out that the workshop on non-governmental inputs was not covered by the agreed convention budget for 1996-1997. That event, as well as any workshop convened in 1995, would require additional extrabudgetary funding.

53. The Chairman, after thanking all the participants, the interpreters and the secretariat for their assistance and cooperation, declared the first session of the SBSTA closed.


Annex

 

INITIAL LIST OF ITEMS ON WHICH THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL

ON CLIMATE CHANGE COULD PROVIDE INPUT TO THE SUBSIDIARY

BODY FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVICE


In accordance with Article 9 of the Convention and decision 4/CP.1 on methodological issues, decision 5/CP.1 on activities implemented jointly, decision 6/CP.1, annex I, paragraphs A1, A3, A4 and A5, on the roles of the subsidiary bodies, and decision 13/CP.1 on transfer of technology (FCCC/CP/1997/Add.1), the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice will seek inputs from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in a variety of scientific, methodological and technical areas. The following is an initial list of areas in which the IPCC could provide relevant inputs. Each of the issues, with the exception of item 1, is an important element of the Third Assessment Report and may be appropriate for an interim or special report.

1. Full assessments (every 4 or 5 years) similar in scope to the Second Assessment Report of the IPCC.

2. Detection of climate change and trends therein due to anthropogenic causes.

3. Further development of emission inventory guidelines (for example, for emissions of new greenhouse gases, land-use change, forestry and biomass burning, agricultural soils, solid waste disposal), including the reassessment of emission factors, conversion coefficients and also emissions from bunker fuels.

4. Development and assessment of methodological and technological aspects of transfer of technology.

5. Development and refinement of methodologies including, for example, those used in the estimation of present greenhouse gas emissions and projections of these gases, and those used in the estimation of global warming potentials and in the evaluation of the effects of measures being undertaken pursuant to the provisions of the Convention.

6. Scientific, technical and socio-economic bases for further interpreting Article 2 of the Convention, including the necessary modelling of different scenarios for the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

7. Further identification and assessment of emission sources, sinks and the chemistry of greenhouse gases, particularly the carbon cycle and the role of precursor gases.

8. Reducing scientific uncertainties, including the role of particulate matter and tropospheric ozone.

9. Refinement and updating of high resolution regional scenarios of climate change.

10. Economic, environmental, sectoral and regional impacts of both climate change and the current and proposed response measures, including the economic impacts of these policies and measures on developed and developing countries.

11. Adaptation measures.

12. Identification of technical and socio-economic aspects of Articles 4.8, 4.9 and 4.10 of the Convention.

13. Other specific emerging issues related to the implementation of the Convention.


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