Responding to Climate Change
Newsletter #6, May 24
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Having just returned from the 2012 UNFCCC Bonn Climate talks, and with Rio+20 approaching fast, now is a good moment to update you on our activities and the latest news from RTCC.
 
Bonn: The good news is that the 194 parties that participate in the UN Climate Convention agree that more ambition and action is needed to ensure we do not smash through the 2 degrees ceiling – the bad news is once again they disagree on how to achieve this!
 
We analysed the key divisions before the talks, and followed some heated discussions over equity once the conference was underway, which saw the developed and developing world take up familiar positions. Check rtcc.org tomorrow for a full review of the two weeks.
 
There are grounds for hope. Tierney Smith has written a fascinating article analysing the work of youth groups in climate talks – while in an interview with RTCC UNFCCC chief Christiana Figueres offered her advice to any budding negotiators who want to make a difference.

We also broke the news in Bonn that 40 of the world's largest cities have signed a deal to measure, report and verify their emissions. This may sound boring but it is a massive step forward - and much credit should go to the team at ICLEI: Local Governments for Sustainability.
 
Rio+20: From an overcast and frankly quite depressing Bonn to what promises to be a lively two weeks in Rio. We’ve launched our countdown on RTCC and are focusing on all the key challenges as the summit approaches.
 
We hosted a Rio Workshop at the start of May – which for us proved just how hard coming to an agreement will be – we couldn’t even agree on an agenda – for more on that see John Parnell’s review.
 
Oxfam’s Kate Raworth does offer one path – it’s doughnut shaped and outlines a ‘safe and just space’ for humanity. Have a read and tell us what you think – it’s not a concept that will please everyone, but it does raise some interesting questions.
 
If you’re heading to Rio please get in touch. RTCC has a number of activities planned – including podcasts, TV interviews and round-table discussions. If you'd like to take part or have a story for us drop me a line at ek@rtcc.org or Tweet @RTCCnewswire

Finally - if you do nothing else today check these stunning photos highlighting the dangers of desertification that are currently on our Facebook page. Courtesy of the UNCCD, where we are an Official Observer Organisation, they are a powerful reminder that the wider effects of climate change are impacting on communities today.
 
Ed King, RTCC Editor