9 am-3 pm, Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic
The United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 (COP15) concluded with results which fell far behind the expectations of many. The international community has postponed key decisions despite the fact that the fast growth of greenhouse gas emissions must peak soon to limit the serious negative impacts of climate change. During COP15 political leaders did not manage to overcome the deadlock of international climate talks. The European Union has been a leader in ambitious and binding emission reduction targets. However, international climate protection can only be successful if ambitious reduction targets can be fulfilled domestically.
The conference will discuss how international climate negotiations should move forward after Copenhagen and what role the transatlantic partnership could play. Moreover, the conference will focus on the impacts of COP15 on EU-wide and domestic Czech policy. Necessary changes in the industrial and power sector of EU member states will be addressed. The EU is a global frontrunner in ecological innovations. The question is whether this position can be sustained in view of massive modernization efforts and high investments in renewable and energy efficiency technologies in the US, China and other countries. The expansion of renewable energies, modernization of power grids, and investments in energy efficiency will positively influence future economic growth and job creation in Europe.
Two panels will address the following questions:
I Reflecting on Copenhagen and the future of international climate negotiations
Why did Copenhagen fail to deliver a substantial deal? What are differing perceptions among the key players on the outcome? What lessons can we draw from COP15 for future negotiations? In which governance framework should climate negotiations continue? How to secure and administer funding for adaptations and mitigations measures? What are the preconditions for a success of COP16?
II Impacts of COP15 on EU and domestic policy
What are the impacts of COP15 on EU wide and domestic Czech policy? How do the outcomes of COP15 influence negotiations within the EU? How does the complexity of international climate negotiations effect future investments in new technologies, ecological innovations and a shift towards a low-carbon economy?
Detailed program (pdf, 530 KB, 3 pages)
This conference is co-funded by the European Commission. The European Commission is not responsible for the content of the conference.