About RINGOs:
RINGOs – Research and Independent Non-Governmental Organizations – do research and analysis to develop strategies addressing both the causes and consequences of global climate change. RINGOs are one of nine NGO constituencies recognized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The others are ENGOs (Environmental NGOs), BINGOs (Business and Industry NGOs), LGMAs (Local Governments and Municipal Authorities), IPOs (Indigenous Peoples Organizations), TUNGOs (Trade Union NGOs), YOUNGOS (Youth NGOs), Farmers, and Gender. RINGOs are the second largest of these constituencies, comprising 25% of the 2,000 admitted NGOs.
Left: University of California-Revelle Exhibit at COP23. Right: University of Maine Professor, Aaron Strong, at the We Are Still In Pavilion at COP23
During the COP and SB meetings of the UNFCCC, RINGOs organize daily meetings to discuss the developments of the negotiations and to share logistical information. RINGOs also are invited to observe at constituted group sessions held between the COPs and SBs, including those of the Adaptation Committee (AC), Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), Standing Committee on Finance (SCF), and Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage (WIM ExComm).
A RINGO daily meeting at COP15 in Copenhagen. Photo courtesy of University of Zurich CIS
Delegations in the RINGO Constituency meet the following criteria:
- They are not-for-profit.
- They have committed themselves to address climate change in a constructive manner.
- They actively seek ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts.
- They must maintain independent views; it is not expected that all members share the same view on any particular issue but instead provide a range of views.
- They work to play a bridging role between science and policy, business and environment, global North and South.
RINGO Activities are coordinated by a steering committee. The current members are:
- Marilyn Averill, University of Colorado at Boulder
- Tracy Bach, Washington University in St. Louis
- Shikha Bhasin, Council on Energy, Environment and Water
- Diane Husic, St. Lawrence University
- Sylvia Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen, Wageningen University
- Miriah Kelly, Southern Connecticut State University
- Melissa Low, National University of Singapore, (co-focal point)
- Beth Martin, Washington University in St. Louis (co-focal point)
- Anna McGinn, Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI)
- Gaston Meskens, University of Ghent
- Axel Michaelowa, University of Zürich
- Emilly Silva, CGEE – Center for Management and Strategic Studies
- Matti Goldberg, Woodwell Climate Research Center
- Susie Ho, Monash University
- Karishma Ansaram, University of Edinburgh
