The amendments proposed by Mexico and PNG would, while keeping consensus as the initial threshold for decision-making, have the effect of providing an exception to default consensus voting rule for the COP. They would allow COP decisions (with certain exceptions), after all efforts to reach consensus have been exhausted, to be adopted by a three-fourths …

In this briefing paper, we set out general information in relation to the following issues which may be useful to delegates when considering the procedure for approving decisions: (a) The draft rules of procedure (Draft Rules) and the voting rule (Draft Rule 42); (b) The meaning of consensus; (c) Voting procedure in respect of amendments […]

The continued failure of the parties to agree a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol is a cause for concern. Further delay in any agreement for a second commitment period could mean that there will be a gap between commitment periods where the relevant parties are not bound by any emission reduction commitments. A […]

During the negotiating session in Bonn in June 2010, the AWG-KP requested the Secretariat’s legal service to prepare a paper on how to avoid a gap between the first and second commitment periods and to identify the legal consequences of any such gap. The formal request is as follows: “In the context of decision 1/CMP.1 […]

This briefing paper sets out: the procedure that needs to be followed in order to amend the Kyoto Protocol and its annexes; the specific articles and annexes that will need to be amended in the event a second commitment period is agreed; and suggested drafting, based on previous country submissions, for such amendments.