Climate Change Conference in Durban adopts roadmap for a binding, global climate agreement
The Climate Change Conference in Durban (COP 17/CMP 7) paved the way for a legally binding climate agreement between all countries in the early hours of Sunday morning following long and tough negotiations.
Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen has welcomed the "Durban Package" as a "major, groundbreaking success for global climate protection." He particularly stressed the importance of the decision to start immediately with the preparation of an international climate agreement that is to be legally binding for all countries. On this basis it was possible for the Conference of the Parties (COP) to agree on a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol to follow on from the first commitment period which expires at the end of 2012. Furthermore there is to be a workplan for greater mitigation in order to enhance the mitigation measures of countries until the conclusion of a legally binding agreement. Additionally the operationalisation of the Green Climate Fund for financing climate protection and adaptation measures in developing countries was adopted in Durban. The Durban Package also includes the establishment of structures for an Adaptation Committee and a Climate Technology Centre and Network.
Minster Röttgen commented: "The Durban Package marks a qualitative leap forward. We have now laid the foundations and achieved the momentum for the first international climate agreement to apply to all countries. With a strong alliance between the EU, the least developed countries and the small island states, which are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, it has been possible to put together a package of measures that will require commitment from all parties in the long term, above all from the biggest emitters. We will continue this alliance beyond the conference". Climate protection does not allow for delay, noted the minister. He welcomed the fact that the EU approach of "implementation and negotiation" had been further strengthened by the outcome of the COP.