Postcard from Poznan
December 11th, 2008
The sense of urgency is tangible here, as environmentalists from around the world lock horns over pressing issues that will affect us all. 
The negotiations are intense, and so far I have had productive discussions with China, Mexico, and a number of other emerging economies. I remain optimistic about a deal, because I have been struck by the degree of cooperation and understanding. Declarations, of course are easy: signed agreements in black and white are far more difficult to achieve.
The EU is discussing global reduction targets of 20%, but we also have a long-standing commitment to 30% by 2020 if other countries come on board. No one is under any illusions about the need for far more stringent targets in the more distant future: but we have to start somewhere, and get the world accustomed to the idea that change must come.
It is increasingly clear that our current ambitions may not be enough, and that we will probably need to revise our level of ambition upwards. The EU has always prided itself on basing its policies on science, and there are signs that the scientific consensus is shifting towards the need for more ambitious targets to avoid irreversible damage to our planet.
Every day sees a new report from a major NGO or respected group of scientists underlining the urgent need for action. Some of these reports stick in the mind: today for example the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network announced that one fifth of the world’s coral reefs have already died or been destroyed, and that the remainder are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
I am constantly thankful for the work NGOs do: we need them to pester us, and to ensure that the world cannot just tune out climate change. 
Poznan is just a stepping stone, but it is a major one all the same. The real test will come in year’s time in Copenhagen, where we absolutely must reach an agreement. That is not an option – it is a categorical imperative. I am confident that world will deliver the agreement we need, but there is a mountain of work to do on the way.
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December 12th, 2008 at 5:05 pm #
Thank you, Mr Dimas. Though I have little faith in the majority of politicians and their readiness to tackle climate change, I don’t doubt your dedication to this most urgent of causes. Keep up the hard work; and please keep on writing the blog.
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My country: United Kingdom
December 12th, 2008 at 11:58 pm #
Hey Stavros
Did you know that much of the coral bleaching in recent years has been caused by cold water? Google it and see if I’m wrong.
Why would the researchers not question global warming based on this or other evidence? If they did, they would not get to visit far away hotels like this with nubile young research assistants, now would they?
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My country: Somalia
December 13th, 2008 at 2:08 pm #
“but there is a mountain of work to do on the way.”
Yes . like how to fleece the people, without them noticing too much, what a scam you are pulling? eh?
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My country: Australia
December 15th, 2008 at 4:17 pm #
I don’t care about coral reef, I care about people. In Taranto, a small city in the southern Italy (200k citizens), there is a steel factory big 3 times the city and which produces 8.8% of the European diossine. Every year 1200 citizens die for cancer related to pollution (smokers’ cancer). Everyone has a member in the family died for that. In mine, 3 died and 4 survived (one is a baby of 2 y.o.).
I don’t want to close the factory, I want to make Ilva respect the ambiental laws. And you have the power and the duty to do it.
Google the words “Ilva taranto” and see the pictures.
Have a nice day
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My country: Italy
December 19th, 2008 at 12:49 pm #
May I suggest European Commission to consider also evidence against the environmentalist-catastrophist propaganda?
More Than 650 International Scientists Dissent Over Man-Made Global Warming Claims
Scientists Continue to Debunk “Consensus” in 2008
http://tinyurl.com/6oqu3m
Global warming freeze?
http://tinyurl.com/6mxprv
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My country: Italy
December 20th, 2008 at 1:50 am #
Hi
With respect Climate Change, the discussion at Pozan from what I have read in NewScientist 20/27 December 2008, it indicates you have an hard battle in front of you to be ready for Copenhagen 2009. My concern is that
1. Quote from scientist (unknown) Most politicians just don’t get it (with respect not yourself). We have to emit less carbon dioxide than the planet can absorb. The planet does not do political compromises.
2. With respect you may be aware of a serious fact, according to Ciais methane over the past decade, atmospheric concentration of the second most important greenhouse gas has been stable-but there has been a sudden surge. This can be traced back to the permafrost in the arctic releasing Methane. Permafrost holds huge amount of Methane here’s the frighten part if this is released and once started, it becomes unstoppable. If the ‘tipping point’ occurs then even zero emissions of carbon dioxide won’t stop the warming. Source NewScientist 20/27 December 2008.
3. I have serious doubts on the emission permits systems its always seems they are to many concession and these permits are handed out free with respect it is like handing out free money and when ones looks at the history from where it came. Carbon trading was developed in the USA in the 1980 and 1990’s to make reducing emissions cheaper and more palatable for heavy polluters, for a short period which allowed the saving of money whilst reducing a modest amount of sulphur dioxide. Whether these permits will deliver the promised cuts remains in the ‘laps of the gods’
I wish you well on your difficult path ahead and my support goes with you.
Kind regards
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My country: United Kingdom
December 28th, 2008 at 10:50 am #
Poznan is just a stepping stone. I agree with that, but it was a very little step in Poznan. Next year in Kopenhagen Europe, The World needs a major step forwards.
But i believe economic reasons are the big hurdle to take. Too much countries don’t like to change, they stick with the old economy and don’t see the major possibilities of a sustainable economy, with a sustainable energy supply and energysaving electronics, cars, boats, houses and so on.
Why not make 2009 The Year of Energy Saving and 2010 The Year of Renewable Energy and to support those years in the only way that works: money.
http://www.stichtingmilieunet.nl/andersbekekenblog/?p=1222
Money is the fastest way to convince governments and the big public. What should happen when the EU should take the decision to create an ECO-TAX and ECO-PLUS system in the EU and what should happen if the EU guaranteed a EU FEED-IN tarif for renewable energy?
http://www.stichtingmilieunet.nl/andersbekekenblog/?p=5379
Well, for sure it will go fast in the right direction. Not on papers, like all those agreements made so far(Kyoto, Poznan). We need real solutions. In our work, at our homes, our energy supply and our transport. Yes, it would be sustainable. Yes it would be full-electric transport.
For those who want to start energy saving now. Every week new cartoon and energy saving tips:
http://www.stichtingmilieunet.nl/energysavingtips.php
Mr. Stavros, you end with: but there is a mountain of work to do on the way.
Yes for sure and a think a lot of is the problem. We do a lot of small projects. Why not follow the excellence performence of countries like Germany, Spain, Portugal and Denmark? They made the right decisions, they realized renewable energy large-scale powerplants and mini renewable energy powerfacilities at homes. I should say: Follow the Leaders.
I wish you a lot of strenght and i wish you would be the European Leader who likes some real challenge? Please take Al Gore’s Challenge: 100% renewable energy within 10 years.
http://www.stichtingmilieunet.nl/andersbekekenblog/?p=4813
And here is Al Gore’s complete plan:
http://www.stichtingmilieunet.nl/andersbekekenblog/?p=6017
Good luck and always happy to support you. Wish you all a Happy New Year
http://tweetwrappr.com/fjDfn/
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My country: Netherlands
December 30th, 2008 at 5:14 pm #
I also agree with Orion, because other groups like Equiterre also were there.
But Charles says that “Carbon trading was developed in the USA in the 1980 and 1990’s…”
So at least now we must tackle climate change, scam or not.
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My country: India
December 31st, 2008 at 12:48 pm #
Like the financial crisis, global warming is a fabricated crisis, and those behind and in support of this scam should be held accountable.
It’s time to stop the NWO madness and disclose the names and links of the PTB to the public.
January 1st, 2009 at 3:24 pm #
Nice to see so good informations. Very good blog.
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My country: Poland
October 8th, 2009 at 10:54 am #
Nice information.Thanks for sharing this useful information with us.I’ll wait to try and use them.Keep blogging.
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My country: United States of America