| Volume 12 | Number 16 | 7 May 2008 |
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EVENTS Coming up: 8-14 May 12 May, Bogor, Indonesia. FOOD, FUEL AND FORESTS: A SEMINAR ON CLIMATE CHANGE, AGRICULTURE AND TRADE. Organised by the International Food and Agriculture Trade Policy Council. The scale of carbon emissions from deforestation has been estimated to be greater than that of the fossil fuel intensive global transport sector, and discussions continue about how the international community can best reverse alarming trends of deforestation. Global food demand, however, is expected to double by the year 2050 due to population and income growth. Agricultural producers will benefit from this increased demand, but agricultural expansion will likely become an even greater contributor to deforestation. Climate change concerns have also led many countries to incorporate a significant percentage of biofuels in their transport fuel. Questions are being raised about just how much certain bio-fuels contribute to greenhouse gas reductions, in particular when their production may cause deforestation. This seminar will examine these food-fuel-forest linkages and consider how best to promote income and food security and mitigate climate change. For more information, please see http://www.agritrade.org/events/InternationalFoodAgriculturalTradePolicyCouncilEvents.html. 12-16 May, Bonn, Germany. THE FOURTH MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES SERVING AS THE MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ON BIOSAFETY (COP-MOP 4). The Cartagena Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity aims at promoting the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. This meeting is expected to review the progress made so far with the implementation of the Protocol and take additional decisions to advance the process. For more information, please see internet: http://www.cbd.int/mop4/. 13 May, London, UK. CHINA, JAPAN AND ASIAN REGIONALISM(S): WHICH REGION? WHOSE REGIONAL ORDER? This policy briefing, organized by Chatham House and Warwick University, will first outline the objectives and strategies of China's engagement with Asia, and consider the potential for a future Asia moulded by Chinese interests. In an era when there is so much focus on how we respond to China, considerations of Japan's position and power often appear to be increasingly neglected if not downright ignored. The second half of the session will focus on the emergence of Japanese strategies and initiatives specifically designed with China in mind, and how this rivalry has significance and implications for policy and business communities across the world. For more information, please see internet: http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/807/. WTO Events An updated list of forthcoming WTO meetings is posted at: http://www.wto.org/meets_public/meets_e.pdf. Please bear in mind that dates and times of WTO meetings are often changed, and that the WTO does not always announce the important informal meetings of the different bodies. Unless otherwise indicated, all WTO meetings are held at the WTO, Centre William Rappard, rue de Lausanne 154, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland, and are open to WTO Members and accredited observers only. 7-8 May: GENERAL COUNCIL 8 May: SERBIA: MEMBERSHIP NEGOTIATIONS (ACCESSION WORKING PARTY) Other Upcoming Events 2-7 June, 2008.
Manila, Philippines. ASIA CLEAN ENERGY FORUM (ACEF) 2008: INVESTING
IN SOLUTIONS THAT ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SECURITY. Policymakers,
private sector firms, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
across Asia are increasingly pursuing clean energy solutions that
address the growing challenges of climate change and energy security.
In recognition of this vital regional work, the Asian Development
Bank, and cooperating partners, will host the Asia Clean Energy
Forum (ACEF) 2008. The Forum aims to promote increased use of clean
energy in Asia and the Pacific through donor cooperation and the
promotion of successful clean energy policies and finance solutions
that respond to the region's climate challenge. |
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