Finns Claim Progress during the UN Climate Change

UNCLAS HELSINKI 000004 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: NA TAGS: SENV ENRG KSCA EUN FI SUBJECT: Finns Claim Progress during the UN Climate Change Conference in Nairobi ¶1. (SBU) Agreement on the governance structure and operation of the Kyoto ProtocolQs Adaptation Fund was one of the most significant achievements of the recent UN Climate Change Conference in Nairobi, according to Outi Berghall, Director of the International Climate Change Project at the Finnish Ministry of Environment and Vice Chair of the Ad Hoc Working Group (AWG) on Further Commitments. The fund, which has a special focus on Africa and may ultimately reach 300 million euros, will allow developing countries to finance clean energy projects. Berghall also welcomed agreement on a five-year work program to enable countries to use models and scientific studies to better track the impact of climate change. ¶2. (SBU) Commenting on RussiaQs proposal to allow developing countries to make voluntary Kyoto commitments, Berghall noted that while it is a valid concept, the language is Qpoorly craftedQ since it discourages developing countries from making commitments on emissions. Finland looks forward to exploring the Russian concept further through direct consultations with developing countries. ¶3. (SBU) Berghall was pleased to see agreement by the 166 Kyoto countries on a comprehensive plan that will set the stage for further commitments by developed Kyoto countries beyond 2012. Leading as EU President, Finland was also able to secure support for an overdue second review of the Kyoto Protocol by 2008. Berghall said the stalemate was broken by assuring developing countries they would not be required to make new commitments; the review would simply be an analytical assessment of past performance. ¶4. (SBU) Finland continues to view Kyoto as the primary instrument for tackling climate change and FinlandQs post-Kyoto commitments will likely be a key priority for the next government. (Note: Finland will hold parliamentary elections in March 2007.) Though FinlandQs emissions have increased in recent years, Finland continues to keep its Kyoto commitments by engaging in Kyoto projects that reduce emissions elsewhere and by purchasing emissions credits. HYATT