5 March 2012: The UNFCCC Secretariat has released the scenario note (FCCC/KP/AWG/2012/2) for the 17th session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP), which is scheduled to take place in Bonn, Germany, from 15-24 May 2012. The note aims to share with delegations the Chair’s views on the organization of the work for the session.

In the note, the Chair outlines his views on what constitutes the outstanding work of the AWG-KP that needs to be completed in order to fulfill its mandate by the 8th session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP 8), namely agreement on: Quantified emission limitation or reduction objectives (QELROs) for the second commitment period; carry-over of assigned amount units (AAUs); and proposed amendments to the Kyoto Protocol, including the length of the second commitment period.

The note indicates that at the opening plenary meeting of the session, the Chair will propose the establishment of a contact group on “Consideration of further commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol.” The Chair encourages parties to use this contact group to address procedural issues, to reflect on the outcomes of the Durban session and to determine how the group can advance at the current session so that it can successfully complete its work by COP/MOP 8 in Doha, Qatar. Depending on the discussion in the contact group, and in an effort to facilitate completion of the outstanding work, the Chair may propose to convene a spin-off group or groups to consider QELROs, the issue of carry-over and the proposed amendments to the text of the Kyoto Protocol. If spin-off groups are convened, they will be required to report back to the contact group. [AWG-KP 17 Scenario Note]