UN climate talks draw to a close

Reacting to the news that a deal has been reached at this year’s UN climate talks over finance for countries on the frontlines of climate breakdown, following a turbulent final day of negotiations, Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of Earth, said:

“As the UN climate talks in Baku draw to a close, the UK delegation, led by Ed Miliband, deserves credit for playing a productive role. In terms of climate leadership, we’re light years away from where we were with last year’s gathering in Dubai.

“But these latest international talks failed to solve the question of climate finance - instead they have again kicked the can down the road. Developing countries are being hammered by climate extremes now, predominantly fuelled by the current and historic polluting activities of rich nations, like the UK. The problem of how to provide the trillions needed to support the countries being hardest hit by a crisis they’re least responsible for remains. Without this investment, which must be unlocked by wealthy countries stepping up to do their fair share, there can be no climate justice.

“Although the UK government is now talking the talk on climate, it is clear that there is still much to be done to ensure they are walking the walk. This means getting the UK’s climate targets back on track, including its current commitment to cut emissions by more than two-thirds by 2030. A plan that sets out how our targets will be met, ensuring we all benefit from the new green jobs, lower bills and economic boost that a fair transition to a zero-carbon future will bring, is absolutely vital.”

ENDS