The Reformed Financial Mechanism of the UNFCCC : Part II The Question of Oversight Post Copenhagen Synthesis Report

Oxford Institute of Energy Studies / by Benito Müller http://www.oxfordenergy.org/pdfs/EV52.pdf [From introduction] The success of the current international climate change negotiations crucially depends on how much finance is going to be made available to support developing country climate change activities, and it is unlikely that adequate financing will be forthcoming in the absence of an [...]

The Reformed Financial Mechanism of the UNFCCC : Renegotiating the Role of Civil Society in the Governance of Climate Finance

Oxford Institute of Energy Studies / by Anju Sharma http://www.oxfordenergy.org/pdfs/EV50.pdf [From executive summary] Most existing international financial institutions (IFIs) have been criticized for the „exclusivity‟ of their decision-making processes. With even developing country governments struggling to be counted, civil society is a distant third or even fourth (after business) when it comes to influencing these [...]

The Reformed Financial Mechanism of the UNFCCC : Promoting Transparency & Accountability

Oxford Institute of Energy Studies / by Luis Gomez-Echeverri http://www.oxfordenergy.org/pdfs/EV51.pdf One of the few, albeit important, outcomes at Copenhagen, was an agreement by developed countries to come up with significantly higher levels of funding for climate change for developing countries. They will do this presumably as part of their obligations and commitments under the UNFCCC. [...]

10 Messages for 2010 — Forest Ecosystems

European Environment Agency http://tinyurl.com/36xrnuv Key messages • Forests cover a large part of Europe but the distribution of such ecosystems varies significantly acrossnthe continent. They fulfil multiple functions for society, providing economic, social and environmental benefits, including serving as a key reservoir of biodiversity. • Old growth natural and semi-natural forests are the most valuable [...]

10 Messages for 2010 – Urban Ecosystems

European Environment Agency http://tinyurl.com/38bflhd Key messages • In Europe, where the overwhelming majority of people live in urban areas, tackling the interlinked challenges between biodiversity and its network of towns and cities is crucial to help halting biodiversity loss. • Urbanisation can be an opportunity or a threat for biodiversity. Seizing the opportunity demands that [...]

Cost Estimate : S. 3373 Air and Health Quality Empowerment Zone Designation Act of 2010

Congressional Budget Office http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/115xx/doc11537/s3373.pdf [Summary] S. 3373 would authorize the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create air and health quality empowerment zones in various regions of the country. Certain entities within those zones would then be eligible for federal grants to fund the replacement or retrofitting of vehicles or engines to reduce pollution. This legislation [...]

Cost Estimate : S. 3374 Cleanfields Investment Act

Congressional Budget office http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/115xx/doc11538/s3374.pdf [Summary] S. 3374 would authorize the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants to nonprofit organizations, units of local government, and other eligible entities for locating renewable energy facilities (including renewable energy manufacturing facilities) on brownfield sites. This legislation would authorize the appropriation of $50 million annually over the 2011-2015 period for [...]

Earthquake Risk, Insurance, and Recovery : Issues for Congress

Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/R41109/ [Summary] This report examines earthquake catastrophe risk and insurance in the United States in light of recent developments, particularly the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. It examines both traditional and non-traditional approaches for financing recovery from earthquake losses as well as challenges in financing catastrophe losses with insurance. The report [...]

Managing Disaster Debris : Overview of Regulatory Requirements, Agency Roles, and Selected Challenges

Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/RL34576/ [Summary] After a disaster, when a region turns its attention to rebuilding, one of the greatest challenges to moving forward may involve how to properly manage debris generated by the event. Options include typical methods of waste management–landfilling, recycling, or burning. The challenge after a major disaster (e.g., a building or [...]

FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process : a Primer

Congressional Research Service http://opencrs.com/document/RL34146/ [Summary] The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (referred to as the Stafford Act – 42 U.S.C. 5721 et seq.) authorizes the President to issue “major disaster” or “emergency” declarations before or after catastrophes occur…