International Campaigns

Critical Stops on the Road to Copenhagen

Last updated October 22, 2009

Download a PDF of this calendar

October 27 to 29 - Senate Hearings on Climate Legislation
Washington, DC
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) will hold a series of three hearings on S. 1733, the Clean Jobs and American Power Act of 2009.

November 6 – 7 - G20 Finance Minister's Meeting
Scotland, UK
As instructed by Heads of State at the G20 in Pittsburgh, finance ministers must report back “a range of possible options for climate change financing” at their meeting in Scotland. Their progress will be critical to the UNFCCC negotiations.

November 14 – 15 - President Obama visits China
Bilateral meetings on climate and energy have occurred throughout the year at the cabinet level in both China and Washington, DC. In August, both nations signed a Memo of Understanding on climate change and bilateral cooperation. Hopes are high that the November summit between the nations will provide definitive and concrete actions that will inspire the confidence of other nations and spur progress within UNFCCC negotiations.

November 16 – 17 - Environment Minister Pre-Conference of Parties (COP) meeting UNFCCC Climate Negotiations
Denmark
Before the Copenhagen meeting, Environment Ministers will meet in Denmark to discuss areas of convergence within the negotiations. When the official communiqué is released, watch to see if some common ground has been reached that can be built upon during the final days of Copenhagen.

Mid-November - Major Economies Forum (MEF)
Possibly USA
The November meeting will be the last MEF meeting before Copenhagen with ministers focusing on negotiating details. Look for 8 collaborative technology action plans to be announced at this meeting and for the communiqué to set the tone for the Copenhagen negotiations. Meeting monthly throughout the year, the Forum has provided a platform for discussion on climate as well as more substantive products such as the 2 degree declaration.

Late November - Climate Legislation Mark-Up
Washington, DC
It is anticipated a bill will be reported out of committee by Thanksgiving.

November 24 - India Prime Minister visits Washington
Trade and business rank high on the agenda for this meeting, but climate and Copenhagen are sure to be discussed by President Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Historical discussions on climate between the U.S. and India have focused on India's ability to measure, report and verify their domestic climate program and U.S. willingness to provide more robust funding for adaptation and technology transfer.

December 7 to 18 - UNFCCC 15th Conference of the Parties (COP-15)
Copenhagen, Denmark
Parties will come together with the goal of forging a new, equitable, binding and science-based global agreement on climate change.