Bali talks update: Brazil blocks deforestation initiative, US stalls
Bali talks update: Brazil blocks deforestation initiative, US stalls
Tropical Forest Group
December 7, 2007
An update from the Tropical Forest Group, representatives of which are involved in the Bali climate meeting
Currently, the US is poised to slash funding for tropical forest conservation while the UN climate change negotiations are underway in Bali, Indonesia.
Thousands of United Nation’s delegates are convening over the next ten days to chart a new course for tackling climate change. One of the hottest topics at the United Nations Convention on Climate Change is Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries (REDD). Tropical deforestation causes 20% of global greenhouse gases. REDD is based on the principal that if the world wants to fight climate change and deforestation – conservation behavior must be more profitable than destruction. The UN diplomats are trying to reach accord on new financial resources that will empower developing countries to slow down their rates of deforestation.
If the Senate passes this bill (Senate Bill 2020) – scheduled for a vote any day – it will turn America’s back to international diplomacy, climate change and the environment. Read more
Rainforest in the Peruvian Amazon |
At the Bali talks, the US continues to stall – arguing we should “study” deforestation and the methodologies for estimating forest carbon stocks rather than begin actually saving rainforests. The Brazilian delegation also continues to block the UN talks, denying all other developing countries the opportunity to earn money by preserving – rather than destroying – their forests. Brazil has a $40 billion plan to deforest and develop the Amazon. Read more
There’s Still Hope
The importance of stopping deforestation is picking up momentum – several countries have announced new financial resources to save our planet’s rapidly disappearing biome home to half of the world’s species. At the Bali climate change convention, the Tropical Forest Group has led a series of high-profile media campaigns to help UN delegates understand the urgency of tropical deforestation. Read more
TFG has permission from the United Nations to stage dramatic actions daily at the conference, inflating three enormous silk trees at the UN venue entrance every morning. Yesterday (December 5), 30 Balinese performers commissioned by TFG presented a world-premier dance celebrating tropical forest conservation. Read more
Even with a new Democratic congress, the United States continues to send the message that climate change and energy security are not a serious matter. The Tropical Forest Group urges Americans to contact their senators to increase the conservation funding allocation to $50 million. This will help save tropical forests – and coral reefs – and send a clear message that Americans are still a generous and caring people who want their grandchildren to have rainforests on their planet. Read more