Sergio Abranches, from Durban

The first day fully dedicated to informal consultations and negotiations in Durban, South Africa, where COP17 is convened, has produced faint signs that some progress may be possible over the next days. Some negotiators said today that there has been some movement forward regarding what they call technical issues. More »

Sergio Abranches, from Durban

A new, satellite-based survey released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows the changes in the world’s forests. The survey indicates that forest land use declined between 1990 and 2005. The highest rate of forest conversion to other land uses in both periods was in South America, followed by Africa. More »

Sergio Abranches, from Durban

Negotiators from G77+China and the BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) have admitted that the financial crisis will affect the pace and scope of decisions here in Cancun. More »

Sergio Abranches, from Durban

The United States has voiced the first clear objection to Europe’s proposal for a Durban roadmap toward a future legal agreement to reach all relevant parties on its first press conference after COP17 has officially opened. More »

Sergio Abranches, from Durban

COP17 opening session has just began, here in Durban. Right now the welcoming session has been installed by COP16 president Patricia Espinosa, who has presided COP16. The President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, is also attending the welcoming ceremony. More »

Sergio Abranches, from Durban

The European Union has set its conditions to support a second period of commitment for the Kyoto Protocol, on a press conference, in Durban, where COP17 will officially start tomorrow.  More »