Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, M.P Chairperson of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Environmental Protection, is representing the Hellenic Parliament in the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change that is being held in Doha, Qatar.
Ms. Avgerinopoulou, having extensive experience in international law, environmental protection and climate change, will be attending three meetings. First is the informal ministerial meeting organized within the framework of the international Convention. The second meeting will showcase an Innovative Finance Pillar to deal with climate change. The final meeting, “Women for Results”, will examine how women can build momentum for stronger climate action. Our country should be present, voicing its opinion on these important issues since, as an EU member state, these international agreements will be legally binding, should they be voted into law.
195 nations and international organizations are taking part in the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Conventions’ mission is to develop the framework that will deal with climate change while supporting sustainable development for the planet.
The conventions’ priorities revolve around four main axes: adapting natural ecosystems and socio-economic systems to climate change, funding research and adaptation activities from national, international, public, private and alternative funding sources, and the curbing of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide emissions increased by 70% from 1970 to 2004, with a further increase expected over the next decades. The international conference will examine how new technologies can provide the necessary tools to develop and share environmentally friendly practices that achieve sustainable development.
In 2010, an agreement was reached by all participants regarding the reduction of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, so that the average temperature of the planet will not increase by more than two degrees Celsius. The question today is whether this agreement is being implemented.
