Brussels, 04/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - G20 leaders meeting in Cannes stated their determination to make the global climate conference in Durban (COP 17, 28 November-9 December) a success. They called for “further progress in all areas of negotiation” that will bring a balanced package of measures, at the head of which is “operationalisation of the Green Climate Fund”. While acknowledging the importance of finding innovative sources of finance in tackling global warming world-wide, leaders contented themselves, in view of the economic crisis, with giving their finance ministers a mandate to continue discussions - much to the chagrin of Greenpeace International.
In a press release, Greenpeace International regretted that no agreement was reached on any specifics for innovative sources of climate finance. “The only hope is that there might be renewed efforts towards creating a fair carbon exchange charge on transport. By failing to discuss ending fossil fuels subsidies - a commitment made by leaders two years ago - the G20 has sidestepped a real opportunity to shift subsidies away from polluting corporations, and to transfer support to countries that bear the brunt of runaway greenhouse gas emissions”, said Patricia Lerner, Greenpeace International Senior Political Adviser. While the Greek debt is certainly a pressing issue, Greenpeace felt that the G20 had prioritised “the bailing out of a flawed financial system rather than ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and our planet”. (AN/transl.rt)