All Eyes on Bali	The first two weeks of December are critical for the global climate, as negotiators meet in Bali, Indonesia, to flesh out a blueprint for a new legal instrument to protect the global climate. Getting all major players - and especially the largest emitters of carbon dioxide - onboard, will be key to a successful outcome. more
World Bank: Trade Liberalisation Could Bolster Efforts to Combat Climate Change	Trade policies, especially trade liberalisation in low-carbon goods and technologies, can contribute to efforts to combat climate change, according to a new book from the World Bank. Entitled "International Trade and Climate Change: Economic, Legal and Institutional Perspectives," the newly-released study found that carbon taxes do not hurt countries' international industrial competitiveness, while energy efficiency standards are associated with a more detrimental effect. more
WTO: Negotiating Chair Releases Draft Text on Fisheries Subsidies	A new draft text on fisheries subsidies has been released within the WTO Doha Round. Members are now aiming to wrap up talks at the end of 2008, pushing forward the deadline once again. more
EU Biotech Approval Procedures under Scrutiny	The EU has been granted more time to come into compliance with a WTO ruling related to approvals and national bans on genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). Meanwhile, some EU countries are looking to modify the approval system and the European Commission remains divided in its approach to GMOs, with Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas calling for the withdrawal of the authorisations for two maize varieties. more

In Brief

Palm Oil Certification Launched; Green Groups Weary Pay Farmers for Providing Environmental Services, Says FAO Meeting Seeks Global Action on Mercury

Events    &   Resources
Events	5 December, Bali, Indonesia: SCALING-UP ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ACCESS TO CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES: OPTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION. Rapid and global diffusion of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies will play an essential role in mitigating climate change. To what extent intellectual property regimes may be barriers for access to these technologies in developing countries? What are options for enhancing international cooperation and trade in energy efficient and clean energy technologies? What could be expected from new initiatives towards greater energy efficiency and use of clean fuels in emerging economies such as China? These are questions to be addressed by a panel of experts and stakeholders from national, intergovernmental and policy research institutions at an event organised by ICTSD in collaboration with IEA, UNEP and Danish Ministry of the Environment. It will be held from 15:30 to 17:30 at the EU Pavilion, in Room Lisbon. Internet: http://www.ictsd.org/dlogue/2007-12-05/2007-12-05-desc.htm
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Resources	AN EXAMINATION OF US AND EU GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO BIOFUELS: EARLY LESSONS. International Food & Agricultural Trade Policy Council, October 2007. This study finds that in the absence of commercially viable second-generation biofuels, ambitious mandates coupled with high tariffs that serve to largely limit tax incentives to domestic producers, risk a disproportionate focus on U.S. and EU first-generation biofuels. The report also demonstrates that a lack of internationally agreed technical and sustainability standards as well as a lack of clarity about international trade obligations, can increase this tendency. The report urges the U.S. and EU to adopt policies that serve to promote those uses of biomass which are most energy efficient and show the greatest promise of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, regardless of national origin. Internet: http://www.agritrade.org/Publications/EU_US_Biofuels.html
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