With the general air of disappointment in the progress made in Copenhagen (2009) and Cancun (2010) the South African president, Jacob Zuma, states that "The low level of ambition in this regard is cause for concern," and that the delegates should come to Durban “expecting a credible, sustainable and implementable outcome."
There are five key achievements that are hoped to be met in this conference:
- One: that the progress should embrace multilateralism, environmental integrity, fairness and the honouring of all international commitments under UN climate change negotiations.
- Two: that the key outcome of the Cancun agreements—the establishment of a Green Climate Fund—were developed.
- Three: that a legal framework for a future climate change agreement is determined to find a resolution to the disagreement over the 2nd Commitment period under the Kyoto protocol.
- Four: That adaptation remains a fundamental focus for developing countries.
- Five: that the outcome in South Africa is adequate to maintain environmental integrity.
This event has of course stimulated interest in the steps South Africa is taking in mitigating climate change. Top of the list are the proposed commitment to create a “green” economy. Interesting, as here in the UK the current coalition have expressed the desire to becoming the “greenest government yet”. Here’s hoping Chris Huhne, the energy and climate change minister, will support the second commitment period from the Kyoto protocol and keep pressure cutting carbon emissions.
You can voice your support for this motion through the campaign website, 38 Degrees.
