Global Witness is attending the UNFCCC negotiating meetings because we believe climate change is one of the biggest threats facing humanity today. In responding to this threat the international community faces both massive challenges and significant opportunities. Nowhere are these challenges and opportunities more evident than in efforts to protect forests. The battle against climate change cannot be won unless global deforestation is halted. Our key focus is the negotiations on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD).
Bonn offers a chance to get things started again after the disappointment of Copenhagen. Negotiators should focus on resolving outstanding issues on REDD - including the crucial issues of monitoring and implemention of safeguards. This will be critical to the success of the next major climate summit in Cancun, Mexico in November 2010.
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD)
Release of new Global Witness report
Land Use Land Use Change and Forests (LULUCF)
The 15th Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded in Copenhagen without a deal being agreed on legally binding emissions reduction targets. The result was a bitter disappointment for campaigners who had been fighting hard for a deal to save the planet, its forests and people.
No firm agreement was reached on REDD in Copenhagen - the negotiations were suspended on Saturday and the draft text was not finalised. On the upside, much of the language that Global Witness and our colleagues in the Ecosystems Climate Alliance had been lobbying for was still to be found in the final version of the draft text. This sets a good basis for more work in 2010.
Global Witness stands by findings on Sudanese oil data
Global Witness today refuted claims that it had apologized for the findings of its September 2009 report, Fuelling Mistrust, on the lack of transparency in Sudan's oil sector. The organisation said that although very important commitments on improving transparency were made recently by the Government of National Unity (GoNU), the full disclosure of oil revenue data and the results of an independent audit remain necessary to prove the concerns were unfounded.
Global Witness welcomes Norwegian government disinvestment from predatory loggers Samling
Global Witness welcomes the Norwegian Government Pension Fund's decision to disinvest from the notorious Malaysian timber giant Samling. Global Witness has previously exposed illegal logging by Samling in Cambodia as well as evidence of legal breaches by two Samling-associated companies in Liberia.
Global Witness welcomes new commitment to transparency in Sudan
Global Witness has participated in a landmark seminar on oil revenue transparency in Khartoum, organised by the Sudanese government and attended by foreign oil companies. We welcome the commitment to increase transparency, including an audit of the oil sector and publication of key production and revenue figures.
Global Witness applauds RBS penalty over terrorist financing
Global Witness welcomes the decisive action taken by the UK financial regulator, the FSA, which has fined the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) £5.6 million for failing to check whether its customers were on the UK terrorist sanctions list.
Campbell testimony shines light on blood diamonds and the importance of international justice
Global Witness is attending the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor in The Hague as supermodel Naomi Campbell is called to testify. The event offers a useful reminder of the role of natural resources in funding conflict, and of the importance of pursuing justice for the victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity.