INTRODUCTION

South Africa plays host to the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that will be held in Durban from November 28 to December 9, 2011. With slow progress having been achieved at previous meetings, expectations are high for the talks to usher in a just, equitable and binding international agreement to deal, decisively, with the threat of global climate change. With this dossier the Heinrich Böll Foundation aims to provide the reader with analysis of the major issues at stake and the context in which the negotiations will be held. The dossier also aims to provide ongoing commentary and updates on major developments in the run up to the negotiations.

Latest Articles

REPORT

Gender Relations and Women's Vulnerability to Climate Change

April 24, 2012 - The study analyzes the way in which an adaptation measure carried out in the Mexican state of Tabasco has contributed to modifying gender relations. In the relocation program analyzed, implemented in response to severe flooding in 2007, the housing units built were granted to women. By Jenny Jungehülsing more»

ANALYSIS

COP 17 in Durban: A Largely Empty Package

- December 19, 2011 - With negotiation time extended for more than 30 hours, the South African Presidency was able to conclude the climate summit in Durban with a "Durban Package" of measures. However, while agreement was reached - barely - many key issues remained unresolved, making the COP17 results  in many respects "a largely empty package". By Lili Fuhr, Liane Schalatek, Tigere Chagutah and Kulthoum Omari more»

BRIEFING PAPER

Locking up the Future - Unconventional Oil in Africa

- November 17, 2011 - Sub-Saharan Africa is attracting investment in “unconventional” oil. This short briefing gives an overview of three investments currently in prospect in the context of debates about the need to mitigate global environmental threats and ensure sustainable development. more»

ANALYSIS

The Rocky Road from Panama to Durban

- November 7, 2011 -

If the Cancun climate change conference (COP 16) was the place where the climate convention train got back on track, the Durban conference (COP 17) needs to be the place where key elements are delivered writes

Paul Horsman more»

Voices and Expectations

VIDEO

Conversations on COP 17

- In this section you can watch conversations with representatives of various constituencies on how they are engaging with the climate change negotiations process and what their expectations for COP 17 are. more»
Further Voices and Expectations more»

Climate Diplomacy

ANALYSIS

The Rocky Road from Panama to Durban

- November 7, 2011 -

If the Cancun climate change conference (COP 16) was the place where the climate convention train got back on track, the Durban conference (COP 17) needs to be the place where key elements are delivered writes

Paul Horsman more»
Further articles on Climate Diplomacy more»

Climate Finance

Further articles on Climate Finance more»

Mitigation

ANALYSIS

Readying Africa for REDD+

June 30, 2011 - The potential for REDD+ in Africa is enormous. The continent harbours about 16% of the world’s total of forests, with the Congo Basin being the world’s second largest block of rainforest. Currently, though, it appears that this vast potential remains underexploited. By Dr. Brian Mantlana more»
Further articles on Mitigation more»

Adaptation

PUBLICATION

Climate Governance in Africa - Adaptation Strategies and Institutions

- Our four Africa offices commissioned studies to evaluate the state of preparedness for climate change adaptation in seven African countries. What are the impacts of and vulnerabilities to climate change in Africa? To what extent do existing adaptation policies, strategies and plans respond to the vulnerabilities identified? By Masego Madzwamuse more»
Further articles on Adaptation more»

Extractive Industries

BRIEFING PAPER

Locking up the Future - Unconventional Oil in Africa

November 17, 2011 - Sub-Saharan Africa is attracting investment in “unconventional” oil. This short briefing gives an overview of three investments currently in prospect in the context of debates about the need to mitigate global environmental threats and ensure sustainable development. more»

STUDY

Eni´s Investment in Tar Sands and Palm Oil in the Congo Basin

- Eni, formerly the Italian state oil company,  is undertaking a new multi-billion dollar investment in Congo in developing tar sands, oil palm for food and bio-diesel and gas-fuelled electricity. Such investments have been heavily criticized for causing social and environmental damage, both locally and globally. The actual study gives background information about the plans. more»
Further articles on Extractive Industries more»

Background

Perspectives on Climate Change
COP Update: Canada to Leave KP
More on...
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung at COP 17
HBS Media Contacts:

South Africa:

Jochen Luckscheiter, E: Jochen'at'boell.org.za, C: +27 (0)76 864 83 95 (in Durban: 28.11. - 3.12.)

Germany:

Karoline Hutter, E: Hutter'at'boell.de, T: +49 (0)30 285 34 202, C: +49 (0)160 365 7722 

You will also find our staff members all day at our stand at the official UNFCCC venue (booth 159).

Overview of all HBS activities during COP 17 >>

List of HBS contacts for COP 17 >> 

COP 17 Updates
Background Documents
Related Sites
Climate Equity Climate Funds Update
CALL FOR PAPERS
The Heinrich Böll Foundation aims to promote diversity of views and welcomes your contribution to its COP 17 dossier. Articles should fall within one of the five themes: adaptation, mitigation, climate finance, climate diplomacy, and extractive industries, and discuss issues of critical relevance to the 2011 UN climate summit. The articles are expected to be between 1000-1500 words long.

To be considered, please send an abstract of not more than 250 words to Tigere'at'boell.org.za. Authors of selected abstracts will be notified within two weeks of submission.

NEWS AND UPDATES
26-27 August 2011: Joint Statement Issued at the Conclusion of the Eighth BASIC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change more>>

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6-10 August 2011: Media Statement - The Africa group negotiators for climate change met in Durban more>>

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6-8 July 2011: Panafrican Climate Justice Alliance, Consultative Workshop for the "Trans-African Caravan of Hope", Nairobi, Kenya more>> 

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5 July 2011: Invitation to attend Civil Society Committee for COP17 2nd Broad Civil Society Meeting, Durban, South Africa more>>

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24-25 June 2011: Climate Investment Funds Partnership Forum 2011, Cape Town, South Africa more>>

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14 June 2011: Joint Side Event at UNFCCC Climate Talks in Bonn: 100% Renewables Instead of Nuclear Energy! – HBF, WECF & WLOE more>> 

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10 June 2011: Joint South African Civil Society Plans for COP 17: Invitation to Participate in Planning, Preparation & Programming more>>

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29 May 2011: Joint Statement Issued at the Conclusion of the Seventh BASIC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change, Durban, South Africa more>>