Countries come together to make progress even as US position remains ambiguous
‘Pacific islanders are determined to ensure that COP23 builds on the momentum from Paris and delivers the strongest possible outcomes for the vulnerable countries and for communities everywhere’
Climate Action Network welcomes the progress made in Bonn with negotiators advancing work on the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Countries stayed focused on the task at hand: building on the details of the Paris ‘rulebook’, for its speedy implementation. The most vulnerable countries have reminded us that the goals of the Paris Agreement are non-negotiable. At this juncture, we need an unwavering signal from all countries that climate action will not be relegated to a mere footnote on the global agenda. There can be no room for confusion or backsliding on the direction and speed of travel that governments promised to embark on in Paris.
At the upcoming G7 and the G20 summits, civil society call for enhanced and sustained political commitment to act on climate change to ensure a successful outcome in COP23, under the Fiji Presidency, and beyond. Members of Climate Action Network react at the conclusion of the Bonn intersessional:
Krishneil Narayan, co-ordinator, Pacific Islands Climate Action Network:
“Pacific islanders are determined to ensure that COP23 builds on the momentum from Paris and delivers the strongest possible outcomes for the vulnerable countries and for communities everywhere.
The “Pacific COP” will be a COP for the people, not the polluters. Ensuring our survival means implementing actions that achieve the 1.5ºC temperature limit by bringing an end to the fossil fuel era; addressing loss and damage; and fast tracking the flow of climate finance into the Pacific for adaptation. Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN) welcomes the progress made at the Bonn negotiations session this May. Whilst the negotiations moved at a slow pace during this session, we understand that developing the Paris rulebook from scratch is a difficult task for the negotiators. PICAN looks forward to working closely with the COP23 Presidency and the Pacific people to ensure that the Talanoa process – reflecting the true Fijian spirit of dialogue – is inclusive, participatory and transparent and leads to some concrete decisions at COP23.”
Sven Harmeling, Climate Change Advocacy co-ordinator:
CARE International, said: “Climate change impacts are hitting vulnerable populations all over the world. Almost all countries here in Bonn have made clear: Backtracking from the Paris Agreement is not an option, climate action must be ramped up!
The negotiations have made moderate progress, but the spotlight will now be on the most powerful nations. When the leaders of G7 and G20 meet in the coming weeks, the world expects them to protect the climate vulnerable from climate risks and to take actions to cut emissions more quickly.”
Vitu Chinoko, Southern Africa Advocacy and Partnerships co-ordinator, CARE International:
“Southern Africa is still recovering from the worst drought in 35 years, while vulnerable countries, like Mozambique and Madagascar, have been hit by cyclones. It is clear that poor populations, in particular women and girls, are already facing impacts that leave them hungry and stuck in poverty. While countries are implementing actions to adapt to these impacts, the negotiations continue to move at a slow pace, despite a fruitful exchange of ideas. We expect countries to come to COP23 prepared and committed to agree on next steps that promote learning, action, and support.”
Camilla Born, Policy Adviser, E3G:
“From negotiation rooms in Bonn, to phone calls between Beijing and Paris, one message was clear – the Paris Agreement is irreversible. Regardless of the US’ ambiguous position, negotiators made steady progress piecing together the finer points of the rulebook. Now attention turns to the G7 and G20 as pressure grows in capitals to deliver the goals outlined in the Paris.”
■ Article published in the Climate Action Network