Paris Climate Talks – Halfway Done but Long, Uphill Road Ahead | Stephen Leahy, International Environmental Journalist

Halfway through the ‘historic’ Paris climate talks and things are going far too slow leaving major issues for last day, late night bargaining by country leaders. This is despite six years of previous negotiations since Copenhagen in 2009.

There are now two alternative draft texts — each less than 50 pages long but still containing 200 to 300 brackets (disputed text) each.

Some of this weeks ‘hot’ issues:

Science says 1.5C; Oil Rich Countries say 2.0C

Countries continue to block agreement based on their short term self interest – looking at you oil-producing Arab countries blocked 1.5C as a new global target. Recent scientific studies show 1.5C provides better protection for all nations – 2.0C condemns some to drown, many to starve.

No Human Rights?

Norway and some Arab states don’t want any reference to human rights in the new climate deal. This has been in the text for nearly a year.

Where’s the Money?

Finance or funding to help developing nations survive climate impacts remains at an impasse as it has for a long time. Countries were promised this funding in 2009 and it was to ramp up to $100 billion a year by 2020. That has not happened.

“I’m out of words, it’s just not right,” said Juan Hoffmeister, a Bolivian negotiator.

Transparency and Verification of Commitments

Although technical, another outstanding issue is “transparency”. What’s the proof countries are actually cutting emissions as promised? Rules and expert review formulas for verification are hotly contested. China and India wanting lax rules and no independent review while US insisting on strict ones.

Will We Get a Paris Climate Accord?

In the end there will be an agreement of sorts – the “Paris Climate Accord”? What-ever the final title, it will not set the world on a path to 2.0C. Far deeper CO2 emissions cuts and more investment will be needed.

First published on the Paris Climate Talks Live Blog available here: