Tag: Role of Developed Countries

About Denis J. Sonwa, Cameroonian Scientist

At COP-15, Denis J. Sonwa was a scientist for CIFOR (Center for International Forestry Research) from Cameroon, Africa. His research has primarily shown that “Forest resources play key roles in socio-economic and ecological contexts in Central Africa,” and has been aimed to help meet the needs of small farmers and the ecological requirements of central and southern Cameroon. He has also previously done work with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Humid Forest Ecoregional Center in Cameroon. In our interviews with him, he talked with us about the potential benefits of implementing of REDD programs, particularly the preservation of resources and reduction of poverty. Inherently he has stressed the need for consideration of indigenous peoples’ needs and the necessity for their involvement in these programs.

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Hans Joachim Schellnhuber on the United States

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John Schellnuhuber discusses the ethical imperative the United States has to the rest of the world, as well as the practical benefits the United States would gain through cooperation. He also discusses popular support, and notes that even in similar countries like Brazil and China, where dealing with climate change would threaten development, popular support for facing these issues is growing, while it continues to dwindle in the United States.

Want to learn more about this interviewee? About Hans Joachim Schellnhuber

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At COP-15, Hans Joachim Schellnhuber was a member of the High-Level Expert Group on Energy & Climate Change advising J.M. Barroso, President of the European Commission. Professor Schellnhuber is from Germany, a nation in Europe.

Bruce Hewitson on Ethics vs. National Interest

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Question asked: do ethical interests gain ground in the negotiations or are practical interests more directly addressed?

Hewitson’s answer: Hewitson comments that countries almost exclusively favor their national interests to altruism. He notes that certain groups, such as the European Union, have made altruistic sacrifices (by my colleague, Brett Shollenberger’s, best definition: actions that are not economically, socially, or politically beneficial to a nation in the short term, with the exclusion of intergovernmental social and political interaction). Hewitson argues, however, that altruism is the only way to achieve intergenerational equity. He feels that the United States’ target of 17% reductions relative to 2005 levels by 2020 is inequitable (to put it nicely).

Want to learn more about this interviewee? About Bruce Hewitson

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At COP-15, Bruce Hewitson was a South African climatologist working with the Climate Systems Analysis Group (CSAG).

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