Climate Change Newsletter

A global perspective on climate change and the implications of COP 21

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Climate Change Newsletter - A global perspective on climate change and the implications of COP 21

Climate Change Newsletter

A global perspective on climate change and the implications of COP 21

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December 11, 2015

The United Nations Conference of the Parties has wrapped up their meeting in Paris today, December 11. Most expect the conference to result in a new climate agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Over 190 countries belong to the Conference of the Parties (COP). What made this climate agreement different is that every country was expected to make a commitment—of its own choosing—to help keep the globe from warming more than 2^o C. Known as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC), this approach relies on each government making a commitment to do its part.

Dentons was there, actively helping clients (be they governments or corporations) to do their part—either because they are or will be required to by regulation or because they wish to comply with their own corporate environmental commitments. We are the largest law firm in China, the largest law firm in the world and are present in 50+ countries, including those with the largest greenhouse gas emissions, as well as smaller countries addressing issues resulting from deforestation. If your organization needs to take a global approach to addressing the consequences of the COP commitments, or you are a government wanting insight into how others have introduced environmental regulatory change, we will help.

If you were not able to join us at the COP or on our webcasts (December 3 and December 10), our leading climate change lawyers have analyzed the issues and implications for industries and geographies around the world in the articles below.

We look forward to helping you address the challenges of climate change.

Showing 1 - 5 of Total Results (5)

REDD+ as INDC strategy

December 10, 2015

Dentons hosted a side event with IETA in the Blue Zone on REDD+ as INDC strategy, which addressed the use of REDD+ policy and project types in Intended Nationally Determined Contributions. INDCs are a significant requirement for developing economies—but they also present a key opportunity.

Primer on Paris climate change talks: An optimistic outlook

December 10, 2015

Between November 30 and December 11, 2015, leaders from nearly 200 countries convened in Paris, France, to seek agreement on a global approach to combatting climate change. Hopes were high, but the question on everyone’s mind is whether the outcome of the 21^st Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (also known as “COP 21”) would be any different than the outcome of COP 15, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2009.

French perspectives of COP 21

December 10, 2015

France considers the agreement that will result from COP 21 in Paris as an essential part of the fight against the climate change. The French state attaches a particular importance to this agreement by reiterating several times that such an agreement could only be binding. France also distinguishes itself for its will to reach a universal agreement that involves both the most developed countries and the developing economies. For Paris and for France, COP 21 has particular importance.

South Africa and the UK's climate change plans

December 10, 2015

Over the last two weeks, 196 countries met at the UN summit in Paris to agree on a new global agreement on climate change. In preparation, countries were asked to pledge intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs)—in effect their national plans to achieve emissions reduction. This note will examine the INDCs filed by South Africa and the United Kingdom, and in turn provide an outline of how these countries intend to tackle climate change.

Go west—Will Alberta lead again with its new climate change program?

December 10, 2015

Alberta’s GHG emissions have been the subject of increasing scrutiny and criticism. The province accounts for the lion’s share of Canada’s emissions, emitting 267 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) in 2013, roughly 37% of Canada’s total emissions. Although Canada contributes less than 2% of global emissions, growing emissions from Alberta’s oil sands has garnered significant attention from environmental groups and governments.