You would expect the climate change talks to have taken off with a “Bang” here in the capital of Thailand. Yet the sense amongst most observer groups is that there are no negotiations really taking place. The biggest challenge is carrying forward the energy of the Bali Action Plan which came out of intense final hour negotiations back in December 2007. It is already nearing the last day and it is becoming obvious that the delegates are losing track of time. And there are very heavy issues on the table including: adaptation (how we will finance technology for adaptation, do we couple it with mitigation, how do we determine which nations are the most vulnerable), mitigation (what does measurable, reportable, verifiable emissions reduction targets mean?), Finance (which instruments will be utilized for mobilization and control of funds, and more importantly where will we get the massive amounts of funding required?), etc.

“You can fly, to any city in Thailand. I hope you get a chance to explore this beautiful country before you all leave,” stated the deputy Prime Minister of Thailand during his opening plenary address. I noticed more than a few people smirk in the room. One of the key issues being discussed here are the roping in of various industrial sectors into the negotiating process and the key being bunker fuels from aviation and shipping–which have seen a phenomenal rise since the signing of the Kyoto. A presentation today by the International Civil Aviation Organization, the primary organization held responsible for checking the growth of emissions from this industry/sector revealed some of the key challenges to addressing the problem.

While things like access to and quality of data were of key concern, the presentation (which was quite poorly put together with only 3 slides) left a lot to be desired regarding actual moves to check the growth of emissions coming from the sector. The aviation sector is expanding rapidly in countries like India and China (and rightly so, considering the new found wealth in both nations). Those with vested interests in trade would have business as usual with regards to curbing emissions in this sector–China again, being one of them. Curiously, small island states as well, as their remoteness requires a heavy reliance on both shipping and aviation for survival.

The debate on forests has been reopened as the issue of carbon stocks is taken up once more. This time it comes under LULUCF (Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry). While NGOs are wanting appropriate accounting of emissions from peat and degraded forests, governments are talking of carbon harvested products (timber products) serving as carbon sinks!

To speak a little about the US here at the talks.  According to various NGOs, there has been more engagement with the US congress this time on the issue of climate change.  It is expected that there will be a steady 4-5 negotiators monitoring all related international talks from now on.  We’ve also heard that both Obama and McCain are pledging to be a part of this deal.

For the 1000 delegates convening here from 190 nations around the world, time is running out in this “City of Angles.” Where is the divine intervention that is needed to move this process along?