Climate Change Conference opens in Durban

The 2011 Climate Change Conference (COP 17) is taking place from 28 November to 9 December in Durban, South Africa. Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen will attend from 5 December.

To mark the launch of COP 17 today, Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen said: "We can only successfully limit climate change if all major polluters join in and commit to making effective reductions. Unfortunately, for political or economic reasons, the United States, as well as China, India and other newly industrialising countries are not willing, or not yet willing, to make these commitments. The climate protection process is at a difficult point. But although the going is tough, we must view the process as a marathon in which every step is worth the effort. It is to be hoped that some progress will be made in Durban too."

Minister Röttgen noted that one of the main issues to be addressed is the greater political and ecological responsibility placed on newly industrialising countries as a consequence of their burgeoning economic growth. Already, more than half the world's emissions are attributable to developing and newly industrialising countries, and this trend continues upward. In the minister's view, therefore, the key question is whether newly industrialising countries will accept a process which will ultimately subject them to a regime of CO2 emission reductions. At the same time, the Kyoto countries have to discuss how the rules and mechanisms of the Protocol can be maintained in practice despite not entering a second commitment period - which without Russia and Japan would be worthless. "Global negotiations on a global problem need a global answer," said the minister. "This is why we stand by the goal of a legally binding climate agreement. In view of ongoing climate change, however, we cannot wait for the international community to reach an understanding. Therefore, we must take parallel action and implement the measures adopted in Cancun, such as operationalising a Climate Fund.<kurz:48126>

All countries throughout the world agree that climate change is a global challenge which must be combated resolutely. The latest scientific studies prove that the pressure to act is greater than ever and that the window of opportunity for limiting global warming to a maximum of two degrees will only remain open for a short time. But there is great contention as to which instruments can achieve this, and what level of responsibility the different countries and groups of countries should take on. Germany and the EU are among those in favour of a new and comprehensive agreement, but this goal is by no means shared by all countries. This is why it is unlikely at present that a breakthrough will be achieved and an agreement concluded which resolves all disputed issues.

For this reason, Germany and the EU are pursuing a multi-step approach which will create the institutions and conditions for the necessary transformation: resolute action at national and European level, the gradual expansion of international instruments and institutions and the negotiation of a new and comprehensive climate agreement.