What we’re missing and what is needed
The existing drafts contain vague language pointing towards the need to stay below a 2o temperature rise. But there is little in the detail that would ensure delivery on this in practice.
Now, having also heard some key speeches, it’s clear that there is still a real need for action.
President Obama has said numerous times that all countries need to stand behind their commitments and make them transparent. That applies to the US as well.
The EU appears to be weakening their conditional pledge to move to a 30% emissions reduction below 1990 levels, from their current position of 20%. This is a real disappointment because the science clearly indicates all developed countries should be pushing for 40%.
We urge more progressive Member States within the EU to commit to stepping up with more ambitious targets right now.
China needs to move forward also.
There seems to be a basis for this in Wen Jiabao’s speech, where he agreed to meet China’s current pledges without extra money, and his indication that China might be willing to do more in terms of emissions reductions and transparency.
India has also said they would do more if they were supported.
Heads of State must all now take the opportunity while it still exists. To make sure that the ambition within the Deal is ratcheted up to a level which will ensure that they do not lock the planet on a path to a dangerous high-carbon future.
We need
- a definitive target year for peak and decline of emissions,
- clear sources for finance for mitigation and adaption in developing countries, and
- an agreement for a scientific review of any deal signed, by 2014.
Kim Carstensen
Leader, Global Climate Initiative
WWF International