Gemeinsame Presseerklärung von Parlamentariern aus der EU zur UN-Klimakonferenz in Durban COP17

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8 Dezember 2011

von Uwe Witt

Press Statement from concerned Parliamentarians delivered at the UN Climate Summit in Durban on Dec 8, 2011

Parliamentarians from across the world speaking at the COP17 climate talks in Durban, South Africa, urged the European Union to show leadership at the talks, by making a strong commitment to binding emission reductions in a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, in solidarity with the African nations.

The fate of Africa, the host continent, is seen as key at these talks. Studies have shown that Africa is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as increases in temperature will be higher in Africa than in other parts of the world. Vulnerable people in this continent are already exposed to severe climate impacts such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, floods and droughts. Their lives and livelihoods are at stake here.

African nations are calling for the talks to deliver on the promises agreed in Bali, with strong emission reductions under a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, with equivalent commitments under the Convention, and increased financial and technological commitments.

"Waiting on one another does not resolve the negotiation blockade. We are not at the World Bank where wrong decisions can be corrected eventually - the clock ticks against climate protection. Therefore we need the European Union to raise its ambition to at least 30% now." Eva Bulling-Schroeter, chair of the Environmental Comittee, Germany.

“The EU must move forward and demonstrate that measures against climate change make sense, both ecologically and economically.  We're having these talks in Africa, and the fate of the continent must remain at the front of our minds. The EU needs to commit to ambitious C02 reduction targets immediately, something Africa has been demanding for 2 weeks.” Joan Walley, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, UK.

“Studies show that emissions cuts pledged by developing nations are higher than those made by developed countries. Emissions from China and other developing nations should not be used as an excuse for inaction from the EU. We need leadership from the EU, not brinkmanship.” Christiane Brunner, Chair of the Environmental Committee, Austria.

"We must not leave Durban without agreement on the promised Green Climate fund and we cannot accept that it remains an empty box. Success in Durban depends on securing funds to help poorer countries take the necessary adaptation and mitigation measures." Jo Leinen, Chair of Environmental Committee, European Parliament.

Signed by

Eva Bulling-Schroeter, Chair, Environmental Committee, Germany

Joan Walley, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, UK

Christiane Brunner, Chair of the Environmental Committee, Austria

Jo Leinen, Chair of Environmental Committee, European Parliament

Elizabeth May, O.C., Leader, Green Party Canada

Sabine Wilds, MEP, the Left Party, Germany

Hermann Ott, Green Party Member of the German Parliament

Kristof Calvo, Green Party Member of the Belgian Federal Parliament

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