Today, African countries attending the opening of the ‘Durban Platform’ climate talks in Bonn worry that there has been no change in proposed emission cuts, even though the current inadequate pledges risk 2.5-5C of warming.
In the first session of discussions on the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, the European Union and other developed countries’ proposed QELROs (emission cuts) remained low despite a commitment at the Durban conference to ‘increase ambition’ or the level of the targets.
“We express our deep concern that the inadequate mitigation pledges remain on the table. They risk temperature increases that will have catastrophic impacts worldwide, and particularly for Africa.” said Seyni Nafo, spokesperson of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN). “We call on the developed countries to honor their promises and to unlock progress in the negotiations here in Bonn”.
“Africa supported the workshop on equity and believe it advanced the substance of the negotiations. All future measures related to climate change must be in full conformity with the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.” Mr Nafo said.
“Africa believes that a successful outcome at the Doha talks (the 2012 UN climate conference in December) will be one that includes a strong five year second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol (2013-2017); and a successful conclusion of the LCA that carries with it a high level of economy wide reduction target by non-Kyoto parties (US, Canada) that are comparable with the level of ambition in the 2nd commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.”
“With a second commitment period, and strong implementation of what has already been agreed, we can then move to discuss how to create a fair and effective long-term approach an enhanced mitigation and adaptation.” Mr Nafo said, referring to a possible workplan for the ‘Durban Platform on Enhanced Action.’
The talks will continue until 25 May.
The African Group is the group of 54 African countries represented in the UN climate change negotiations. Mr Seyni Nafo of Mali is its spokesperson.