Bali summit

The Secretary General congratulates members on reaching a mutual agreement for tackling climate change:

BBC

The document coming out of the meeting, the "Bali roadmap", contains text on emissions cuts, the transfer of clean technology to developing countries, halting deforestation and helping poorer nations protect their economies and societies against impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels and falling crop yields.

The roadmap sets the parameters and aims for a further set of negotiations to be finalised by the 2009 UN climate conference, to be held in Denmark.

By that stage, parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol should have agreed on a comprehensive plan for curbing global warming and adapting to its impacts.

However the SG also observes the following factors:

BBC

...many economists believe mandatory emissions targets are needed to create a meaningful global market.

BBC

France's Deputy Ecology Minister Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet acknowledged the deal amounted to far less than the EU had wanted.

...and points out that the international community has yet to arrive at any concrete or substantive agreements or commitments when it comes to effective action on the part of individual nations. We strongly urge nations to weigh up future implications, and to arrive at 2009's summit with fresh commitment and determination.

Reply 1

ukebert

Liechtenstein is disappointed with the outcome of these talks, and openly condemns the US, Canada and Japan for taking the stance that they did.

Reply 2

geetar

While El Salvador recognises the need for a global effort to tackle climate change, it also stresses that environmental concerns must not be allowed to supercede issues such as poverty and health. El Salvador, along with many other developing nations, is worried that much-needed economic and social development may be slowed if future targets are designed without the needs of such nations in mind.

El Salvador sincerely hopes that, come 2009, delegates will be able to recognise these concerns and draw up climate plans that will prove satisfactory in all areas.

Reply 3

UnaChance

The USA would like to echo the words of our negotiator, and say that 'The United States is very committed to this effort and just wants to really ensure we all act together. We will go forward and join consensus.'

Reply 4

Craghyrax

The Secretary General commends the USA for agreeing to cooperate with the rest of the international community in this endeavour, and hopes that more of this constructive attitude shall be seen in times to follow.

Reply 5

Ten Green Bottles

France cannot deny being somewhat disappointed with the summits conclusion, but feels what will follow can only be better and more constructive.

UnaChance

France cannot help but wonder just how far the USA will allow the global consensus to differ from its own opinion on these matters, and whether it will keep this commitment should it face opposition in further negotiations.

However it is heartened that, at the moment at least, the USA seems to be willing to act with the rest of the world on a subject that will affect us all.