On a foggy Monday morning after a long Holiday weekend, the entire ACE staff had an awesome call with Kelly Blynn from 350.org. Kelly was on the call to talk about the importance of the conference in Durban, South Africa and what youth can do for the climate movement.

Let’s start with a little bit about Durban. This is a very important gathering because it will determine the  fate of the Kyoto Protocol. December 31, 2012 is the expiration date for the Kyoto Protocol’s first commitment period. The Kyoto Protocol is the major international agreement on climate change. The Protocol commits 37 industrialized countries countries and the European community to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions 5% over a period of 5 years, 2008 to 2012. So unless states agree to a second commitment period with a further round of emission cuts, their will no longer be a Protocol that makes sure countries are limiting their greenhouse gas emissions.

Kelly discussed three possible outcomes for the Durban discussions.

1. Countries don’t come to an agreement on a second commitment. According to Kelly and to other sources, this is probably the most likely result because many countries such as the major power-house China, have an”I’ll commit if you commit” attitude. This is also the worst-case scenario because it would mean an extended period without any legally-binding limits on a country’s greenhouse gas emissions, just the political pledges made during the Copenhagen/ Cancun pledges.

2. Countries commit to a second commitment. Unfortunately, this is the least likely scenario. Why? Because Japan, Russia and Canada have all openly opposed a second commitment period, meaning that even if a second commitment did get passed, it would only include the countries that signed on last period. Also, because many countries, like the European Union, New Zealand and Australia have said they will only sign on if other countries sign on, it’s not looking like this will happen.

3. A political agreement is reached. This would mean that countries who have political agreements from Copenhagen and the first commitment of the Kyoto treaty. This would establish a transitional period in which there are no legally binding agreements.

That was a quick overview of Durban. For more information check out this article.

Now on to some more fun stuff! What are youth doing to help out and make their voices heard? Well, in the month of November alone, over 150 African climate activists have been traveling around on a Caravan of Hope, hitting 10 countries over 4,000 miles. Their goal is to address the impact that climate change has on their everyday lives. Their road trip will culminate at the talks in Durban. Pretty cool, right? Also, check out this diary from the Africa Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC). They’re raising awareness in their hometown communities, just like ACE Action Teams are doing in the United States! 

One last thing to leave you with today. 350.org started Radio Wave to use the power of music and voice to “take the climate movement to the airwaves.” It’s officially awesome. There are songs about the Climate Caravan, and I’ve been jamming out to “People Power” as I write this post.

Want more information on climate change in Africa? Check back in a few weeks to see the outcomes of the Durban conference.