Climate change has an impact on the developing world and there is an urgent need for developed countries to intervene, that’s according to President Jacob Zuma at the opening the 17th Climate Change conference held in Durban. And for the 194 countries gathered in the coastal city, two major decisive steps emerging from the conference could be of utmost importance.
The first step to complete the most comprehensive package ever to help developing countries adapt to climate change. The second – to limit the growth of their greenhouse gas emissions, which was decided at the UN Climate Change Conference in Cancum in 2010.
With the world’s tempratures increasing, COP17 is regarded as a decisive moment. Failure to address it could impact future generations.
Delegates spent the past week deliberating on issues to mitigate the effects of climate change. As host of the conference, President Zuma urged participants to take action.
“The message we wish to emphasize to negotiators is simple – the expectation is that you must work towads an outcome that is balanced, fair and credible. In these talks, States, parties will need to look beyond their national interests to find a global solution for a common good and benefit of all humanity.”
Newly elected COP 17 President Maite Nkoane-Mashabane called on the delegates to be bold and show courage.”Durban is the decisive moment for the future of the multi-lateral based regime which has evolved over many years under the convention and its Kyoto Protocol.”
Outgoing President Espinosa Castellano expressed concerned about growing economic imbalances between rich and the poor. “Whose future depends on our decisions. We cannot betray the trust they have placed on us.”
The future of the Kyoto Protocol, dominated discussions. Its the only existing legally binding framework on gas emissions.
The protocol has been ratified by 193 of the 195 parties to the UNFCCC. Under the protocol, 37 States, consisting of highly industrialized countries and developing economies have to adhere to emission targets.
The main objective of both the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol is to stabilize green house gas concentrations in the atmosphere to a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.
The 1st commitment of the Protocol expires in December 2012 and governments are expected to agree on the 2nd commitment in Durban.
Two of the largest gas emitters – the US and China have already expressed acknowledgement of the importance of the Protocol. Although the US initially signed the 1st commitment but did not ratify it, the negotiating team has pointed out that it would not engage further with proposals for a 2nd commitment until there is clarity on the content of the text.
The EU called on all developed countries to show bold leadership. The EU’s Thomas Chruszczow says, “It must be clearly specified that the future global instrument will be legally binding.”
Other issues included technology and funding. Reference has been made to the Technology Mechanism and the Adaptation Committee, which was agreed in Cancun. Officials said these must be completed in Durban so they can start benefiting people in 2012.
The Climate Fund came to the fore with a particular reference to the 100 billion USD of long-term climate finance that developed countries have agreed to provide by 2020. African countries appealed for financial support for their adaptation programmes.
Almost all participating countries, including the BRICS nations have underscored financing as one of the pressing priorities for Durban. BRICS further emphasized that adaptation was the most urgent task for developing countries and supported the African Group’s position on prioritizing the issue.
With one week left to complete the talks, Mashabane is upbeat. “We sense delegates are all saying this key outcome should be operational and concluded her in Durban.”
– By Lehana Tsotetsi
