Editorial



In this double issue of Tiempo we focus on priorities for consideration at the Eighth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled for late October 2002 in New Delhi, India.

The need for Pacific Island Countries to develop their existing capacities is discussed by Kanayathu Koshy and Liza Philip who consider the two most important responses to the climate threat – mitigation and adaptation.

Saleemul Huq then discusses newly-created climate funds aimed at supporting developing countries. He considers the particular position of the least developed countries and makes recommendations as to the most effective and efficient ways in which the new funds can be used.

Continuing the economic theme, Anders Arvidson reports on a trial assessment of Clean Development Mechanism projects in Africa and on the methodological experience that was gained.

Mountain regions constitute important ecosystems for us all and are amongst the most sensitive to changes in climate. As 2002 is the International Year of Mountains, we focus on mountains, their value to humanity and the potential impact of climate change on these vulnerable areas.

Returning to small islands, John Hay argues that climate variability and change and the devastating nature of extreme events is already posing untenable costs upon Pacific Island Countries. He proposes an integrated approach to managing risk.

Joyeeta Gupta and Angela Churie Kallhauge analyse current coalitions formed during the climate negotiations and consider how further development might strengthen the Southern negotiating positions. Finally, Martin Parry and a team of collaborators describe the results of a recent global assessment of numbers at risk from climate change.