Devex: 3 takeaways from the COP23 negotiations
“Early Saturday morning, after a series of false alarms and premature scheduling announcements, negotiators at the 23rd Conference of Parties in Bonn, Germany, found enough common ground to bring these latest climate change negotiations to a close. … Here are three takeaways from two weeks in Bonn. 1. The U.S. government’s ambiguous role … 2. A big moment for climate risk insurance — but no clear answers on loss and damage … 3. Deadlines looming in 2018…” (Igoe, 11/20).

Devex: COP23 endorses mainstreaming of gender in climate action
“Negotiators at the COP23 climate discussions in Bonn, Germany, have approved a plan to more directly include women in all climate activities and to enhance gender-related mandates that have already been adopted, in a move many participants said is long overdue. The Gender Action Plan (GAP), which was endorsed by the principals before the close of the two-week negotiations, is the result of a significant effort to mainstream gender in all stages of the Paris Agreement processes, from negotiations to strategy to reporting…” (Green, 11/20).

PRI: U.N. climate talks wrap with ‘modest’ progress and a subdued American presence
“…Supporters of the agreement feared the U.S. would try to slow progress toward its implementation, but those fears went largely unrealized in Bonn. White House aides and energy industry officials held a high-profile panel promoting efficient coal power as part of the solution to climate change, which was largely seen as contrary to the summit’s larger goals. But, simultaneously, State Department officials negotiating in closed-door sessions seemed to use a similar playbook as Obama-era delegates. No big decisions were expected at the talks this year as delegates largely worked toward 2018 deadlines for key elements of the Paris Agreement…” (11/20).

Thomson Reuters Foundation: EXPERT VIEWS — Despite U.S. lagging, climate action gathers speed, if limited cash
“…Negotiators left still unclear how richer countries will mobilize a promised $100 billion a year by 2020 to help poorer nations develop cleanly and become more resilient to climate change. And developed country officials refused to look at innovative taxes or other ways to help poor countries pay for growing losses from climate disasters, offering instead insurance options. Here are some views from government officials and climate experts on the outcomes of the talks…” (Rowling/Goering, 11/18).