climate equity media oct 09.pptVIP

Climate change in an unequal and divided world: Is media part of the problem or solution? Jilong Wang, Doctor of Environmental Journalism, The Truth to the Divided World behind Media. The Global Communication Forum 2009, Shanghai Climate change: Real Climate change is real; it is already dangerous; heading towards catastrophe Climate change is urgent; it needs us to act quickly and drastically But how? Climate change is linked to economic growth. Can we re-invent growth? The climate-divide begins here. The challenge: 2 ° C If annual emissions remain at today’s level, greenhouse gas levels would be close to 550 ppm by 2050 This would mean temperature increase of 3-5°C The difference in temperature between the last ice age (3million years ago) and now is 5°C 2°C target need us to cap CO2e at 450 ppm. World already reaching 430 ppm -- still dangerous Drastic reduction needed: For 450 ppm (2°C) reduce 85% by 2050 The N/S divide: Myth 1 “We will reduce by 80% by 2050 but it will not help as developing countries are not taking on emission reduction targets” The fact: Annex 1 (industrialised countries) have not reduced emissions as yet. In fact, emissions have increased. 2009: Talk, no action First climate conference in 1988; Convention signed in 1992 In 1997 world agreed in Kyoto to small change – 5% reduction by developed world In 2009: Kyoto targets not met; industrial country emissions increasing; world at risk Now pressure on China and India.. All want to buy -- ‘offset’ emissions -- not to change domestically: Why? Annex 1 have not cut emissions. Hiding behind the decrease of Economies in Transition Between 1990-2006 ? CO2 emissions have increased in the industrialised world ? Only small gains in UK, Sweden and Germany ? But beginning to increase again ? Gas and reunification impact fading? No energy transition made when the world needs transformation Myth 2: India and China.. “We will take on emission reduction only if India and C