Submission by the Maldives on behalf of AOSIS on possible topics for consideration at the research dialogue to be held at SBSTA 44 and beyond

The Maldives, on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), welcomes the opportunity to submit its views on possible topics for consideration at the research dialogue to be held at SBSTA 44 and beyond, as requested at SBSTA 42 (FCCC/SBSTA/2015/2paragraph 34).

AOSIS takes note of the summary reporton the seventh meeting of the research dialogue held in Bonn, Germany, on 4 June 2015. It acknowledges the information presented by experts on new scientific knowledge that has become available after publication of the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) andappreciates that effort was made to seek to address data and information gaps, including on sea-level rise, ocean heat uptake and desertification.

In response to the request for submissions on possible topics for consideration at the research dialogue to be held at SBSTA 44 and beyond, AOSIS suggests a systematic investigation into the state of the science on slow onset events[1] and in particular, into the detailed questions outlined below. Information provided at the seventh meeting of the research dialogue, as well as post-AR5 publications[2],[3],[4] indicate that research updates are available in the field of slow onset events.

Dedicating the upcoming or any future research dialogue to slow onset events would allowfor expansion of the existing scientific knowledge base,as well as clarifying remaining knowledge gaps on the issue. Ideally, it would build on past efforts to gather information on slow onset events under the UNFCCC[5],[6],[7],[8]byspecifically addressingthe following sub-themes:

  • Overview of available knowledge on slow-onset events, including a listing of existing and potential slow onset events related to climate change, the timing of onset and magnitude of the event under alternative climate change trajectories (1.5°C, 2°C, etc).
  • Regions (geographical areas) where slow onset work has been focused,as well as where there is a dearth of knowledge and research, such as Small Island Developing States.
  • Areas for further work to advance the understanding of and expertise on loss and damage associated with slow onset events.
  • Methodologies and tools that can identify those countries that are at greatest threat and possible approaches to address these risks.
  • Research issues associated with ocean acidification and its implications for SIDS
  • Long-term changes in precipitation and its implications for SIDS.
  • The long term increases in global temperatures and its implications for coral bleaching.

It is expected that such investigation will allow for a better understanding of the linkages and time frames of slow onset events, which will provide indispensable information for identifying possible response strategies.

AOSISmembers stand ready to assist in having a successful outcome and look forward to fruitful,but also productive research dialogues at SBSTA 44 and beyond.

1

[1]Including sea level rise, increasing temperatures, ocean acidification, glacial retreat and relatedimpacts, salinization, land and forest degradation, loss of biodiversity and desertification (Footnote 3, Decision 1/CP.16).

[2]M. Morlighem, E. Rignot, J. Mouginot, H. Seroussi, and E. Larour, “Deeply incised submarine glacial valleys beneath the Greenland ice sheet,” Nat. Geosci., vol. 7, no. 6, pp. 18–22, 2014.

[3]L. Favier, G. Durand, S. L. Cornford, G. H. Gudmundsson, O. Gagliardini, F. Gillet-Chaulet, T. Zwinger, A. J. Payne, and A. M. Le Brocq, “Retreat of Pine Island Glacier controlled by marine ice-sheet instability,” Nat. Clim. Chang., vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 117–121, Jan. 2014.

[4]J. Mouginot, E. Rignot, B. Scheuchl, I. Fenty, A. Khazendar, M. Morlighem, A. Buzzi, and J. Paden, “Fast retreat of Zachariæ Isstrøm , northeast Greenland,” Science Express, 12 November, 2015

[5]FCCC/TP/2013/12 Technical paper: Gaps in existing institutional arrangements within and outside of the Convention to address loss and damage, including those related to slow onset events.

[6]FCCC/SBI/2013/INF.14 Report on the expert meeting to consider future needs, including capacity needs associated with possible approaches to address slow onset events. Note by the secretariat.

[7]FCCC/TP/2012/7 Technical paper: Slow onset events.

[8] FCCC/TP/2008/9 Technical paper: Mechanisms to manage financial risks from direct impacts of climate change in developing countries