Editorial
In this issue, we present the first in a series of articles by John Hay discussing the current abilities and future needs of developing nations with regard to implementation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In this first feature, John Hay highlights the need for technical and data-provision support for these nations within the context of capacity building and strengthening. He outlines the CC:TRAIN initiative, detailing its successful strategy as a supporting mechanism in the provision of training and technical assistance for these nations.
In the next issue of Tiempo, John will discuss the efforts of the Small Island States of the Pacific to build on their capabilities to implement the Climate Change Convention.
We include two forum articles this issue. In the first article, Paul Metz presents a profile of the European Business Council for a Sustainable Energy Future. He also expresses his concern at the opportunities missed in Buenos Aires in not giving due weight to the issue of energy use and renewable energy resources in the climate change debate.
In the second of our forum articles, Michael Glantz considers the semantics of the global warming debate. He presents responses to a number of questions which continually arise in discussions as to whether or not global warming is a genuine problem.
Pak Sum Low presents an overview of the Fourth Conference of the Parties, summarizing the main issues discussed and debated at the Buenos Aires meeting and the conclusions that were reached. Finally, reviewing recent climate developments, we present the global surface air temperature estimate for 1998, yet another record-breaker.