Notes from Bonn, part 3: PFT at COP 23 - Pacific Forest Trust

Notes from Bonn, part 3: PFT at COP 23

Andrea Tuttle, PFT Board Chair Andrea Tuttle, PFT Board Chair
November 14, 2017

The corridors are filling up for the 2nd week of the 23rd Conference of Parties (COP 23) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (the UNFCC). There are hundreds of competing parallel side events all day long here in the “Bonn Zone.” There are additional negotiations and delegates in another building (the “Bula Zone”), which is a 30-minute shuttle ride away.

Media Contacts

Communications Manager
communications@pacificforest.org
(415) 561-0700 x. 17

Get Email Updates

Stay in the know. Get the latest news.

SUBSCRIBE

 

protest of official US event

This is the line of protesters for the one and only US sponsored side event, which was a pro-coal, pro-nuclear, pro-fossil fuel panel on Monday. Protestors filled up the open area, heading to the room at the top right.

It was mobbed by hundreds of protesters who stood in line for an hour, then sang for 15 minutes holding banners. When they left the room was virtually empty, except for the press at the back.

 

halls are full at COP 23

The halls are full! Here are the Indonesia and Fiji pavilions, where many side events are being held.

 

Scenes around the sprawling Bonn Zone where country pavilions, exhibits, and side events are held.

Scenes from the Bonn Zone

 

discussion of carbon markets in Asia

Discussion on linked carbon markets in Asia.

 

This is typical of the scope and attendance of the many side events.

more discussion of carbon markets in Asia

 

side event - sub-national climate strategies

At a side event, Governor Kate Brown of Oregon is at the podium, along with Craig Ebert of Climate Action Reserve; Chris Ballard, Ontario’s provincial Minister of the Environment and Climate Change; Matt Rodrigues, California Secretary for Environmental Protection; Jared Snyder, Deputy Commissioner for Air Resources, Climate Change & Energy at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and a Washington state agency staff member.

 

Preparing for the upcoming session.

meeting room being prepared for session

 

article 6 negotiation subcommittee

This is a typical negotiation subcommittee meeting – fortunately, observers were able to attend this. The subject here is designing the UN rules for a carbon market (under Article 6). At the moment this topic is in a deadlock because certain parties simply want to slow the entire process down and not agree to adopt any text.

 

Wednesday was the beginning of the High Level segment, when heads of government and ministries give formal statements, pledging their support and great ambition for reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. Many in attendance wear their national formal dress.

national dress at the Bula Zone

Read more of Andrea’s notes from COP 23 in Bonn: