The document summarizes the key negotiation points for least developed countries in international climate change negotiations over time. It discusses how the scientific understanding of climate impacts on poor populations emerged in IPCC reports and was recognized in the UNFCCC. Initial negotiations saw different country blocks form around levels of emissions and interests. The Least Developed Countries Work Programme was established in 2001 to help LDCs adapt. Subsequently, the Nairobi Work Programme was set up in 2006 to address climate impacts, vulnerability and adaptation more broadly. Major negotiations from Bali onwards tried to advance mitigation and adaptation action with mixed results. Ongoing debates around issues like consumption patterns and intergenerational equity also influence the negotiations.

1. Genesis of Key Negotiation Points
for the Least Developed Countries
Ahsan Uddin Ahmed
ED, Centre for Global Change (CGC) and
Member, IPCC

2. Growing Scientific Understanding
“The poorest Country Parties and the poorest and
marginalized people including women will be
among the worst victims of climate change” – IPCC
TAR (2007)
The UNFCCC
Clear mandate: interests of the poor (i.e., LDCs),
Small Island States, and African Countries must be
taken care of ………
“… provide assistance ………..”

3. Initial Negotiations
Annex-1 (Culprit countries causing the damage)
Non-Annex-1 (All the developing countries with per
capita emission at 1990 levels below a
threshold set in 1992)
Different Blocks with different interests
Annex-1 High emitting advanced economies
G77+China Developing countries
LDC Highly vulnerable countries
SIDS Small Island Developing States
BASIC High emitting developing countries
(Brazil, South Africa, India, China)

4. Why negotiation becomes that necessary?
Tension
•Whose responsibility is it?
•Who should do what
•Historical Responsibility
What needs to be done?
•Reduce emissions
•Adaptation
Which block should concentrate on what?
Annex-1 – Mitigation
NA-1 – Adaptation

5. In 2001, at COP 7 in Marrakesh
Least Developed Countries(LDC) Work Programme
Parties established the LDC work programme to
develop national climate change mechanisms and
build capacity, including NAPAs: Through National
Adaptation Programmes of Action LDCs identify and
report their adaptation needs.
The LDC Expert Group (LEG) was also established to
provide advice on NAPAs.
Activities under the Least Developed Countries work
programme and LEG are on going

6. • In 2006, at COP 12 in Nairobi
Nairobi Work Programme(NWP)
The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and
Technological Advice (SBSTA) was mandated to
undertake a 5 year project to address impacts,
vulnerability and adaptation in relation to
climate change - the Nairobi work programme.
The NWP disseminates knowledge and
information on adaptation, and highlights the
work of partners as widely as possible through a
variety of knowledge products and publications.

7. BALI ACTION PLAN 2007
COP Decision
4+1 Agenda
Ad-hoc Working Group formed to advance Long-term
Climate Actions (AWG-LCA)
Shared Vision
Mitigation (early pledges)
Adaptation (assistance)
Technology development and Transfer and Capacity
Building
Financing

8. From Bali to Copenhagen
The missed opportunity
A note that opened a few doors
Towards a Safer Climate Future (1.5C)
Fast Track Financing (30 Bn$ up to 2012)
Green Climate Fund
Economy-wide emission reduction

9. Post-Copenhagen Negotiations
Cancun (2010)
Loss and Damage
Impacts beyond efforts on adaptation
Durban (2011)
All countries will share responsibility
Push the ‘reset’ button: not now, later
Cost of non-action?
Negotiation leading upto Paris (2015)

10. Debates
Population or Consumption?
Energy Security or Reckless Energy Use?
Current VS Future Generations
Profit first or Reality first?
Scientific debate on specific issues

11. THANK YOU VERY MUCH