UN climate talks negotiating text published

After running into overtime, the UN climate talks have drawn to a close in Belém. Responding to the final negotiating text, Asad Rehman, chief executive of Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said:

“After two weeks of fraught negotiations, rich countries had to be dragged to the table kicking and screaming to reach the outcome we have today. They tried to bully developing countries into accepting crumbs and the weakening of language in the text to serve their interests. But for once, we can at least say we have taken a small step forward. This will be welcomed by the millions for who these talks are life or death. However, the scale of the crisis we face requires giant leaps forward.

“This eleventh hour deal finally puts forward two of the key outcomes the countries on the front lines of climate breakdown have long been demanding – a meaningful pathway to a fair and just transition and real finance to help them adapt to the escalating effects of climate breakdown. 

“While the tripling of cash for adaptation is only the tip of the iceberg of what’s needed, it’s a start and signals that rich countries are being forced to recognise how critical this is to global cooperation on climate.

“Over the last 48 hours, there has been unprecedented and targeted pressure from thousands of people, including many of our supporters in the UK, who have been calling on governments like ours to stop holding the talks hostage. This is how we were able to move them to back the call for a transition that leaves no one behind. The new Just Transition mechanism is the stepping stone to a greener future rooted in fairness and dignity for all.

“Of course, there is still much to be desired in the final outcome. Promises of doubling and tripling debt-creating loans will offer little hope to those whose economies are being devastated by killer floods and droughts. If we can stop the UK and other rich countries blocking plans to tax big business and the wealthy elites, we can shore up the funds needed to tackle both the climate and inequality crisis.”

ENDS