BONN, Germany, April 11, 2010 - The first UNFCCC meeting since the failed Copenhagen Climate Change Summit closed today, with countries agreeing to minimal measures on how to move forward. The meeting was marred by a complete lack of the required sense of urgency as many countries fell back on bad habits.
Instead of focusing on making progress on how to promote climate solutions too many of the negotiators present chose to focus on divergence and problems.
"Now is the time to focus on concrete actions on forest protection, clean energy, adaptation and their financing," said Wendel Trio, Greenpeace International Climate Policy Coordinator. "Countries must shift gears between now and June and use meetings such as the May Ministerial in Germany and the High Level Advisory group on Climate Finance and to push for real progress."
At the same time it is critically important that any progress that is made outside the UNFCCC be brought back to this forum to ensure the full participation of all countries, particularly small island states, African nations and least developed countries who are more engaged than ever in the discussions.
"The sense of urgency and ambition the world desperately needs was missing at this meeting," said Trio. "Progressive countries must form stronger alliances to push the big polluters forward in order to achieve a fair, ambitious and legally binding deal as soon as possible."
The first step forward is the recognition of the immense gap between governments' commitment under the so-called Copenhagen Accord to keeping the average global temperature rise below 2 degrees C, let alone 1.5 degrees C, and current weak pledges that will lead to a catastrophic temperature rise of over 3 degrees C. This gap needs to be addressed as a priority at the May 2-4 Ministerial meeting in Bonn.
The EU and countries like the US must increase their targets for greenhouse gas emissions cuts as a clear sign that they are willing to undertake ambitious climate action, after which they must ensure fast-track financing is flowing. Following the lead of the EU, Greenpeace is calling on all developed countries to report on their progress in fulfilling their commitment to provide new and additional financial support to developing countries.
Greenpeace is an independent, global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment, and to promote peace. Website: www.greenpeace.org
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