CAN Intervention in the COP19 COP/CMP Closing Plenary, 23 November, 2013

 

Thank you Mr. President, Distinguished Delegates.

My name is Enrique Maurtua Konstantinidis and I am speaking on behalf of Climate Action Network.

COP19 was supposed to be the finance COP, and while a few countries did put money on the table for the adaptation fund, we still do not have a clear roadmap for scaling up to the 100bn commitment in 2020. At this COP there was extraordinary backsliding from Japan and Australia that has resulted in blocking positive momentum. There is still not enough on table from countries to close the gap and no outline of the 2015 agreement.

There are clear disagreements on Loss and Damage within countries while Typhoon Haiyan ripped through the pacific causing massive amounts of damage and loss of life.

Civil society stands united with vulnerable people across the world while countries remain divided and unwilling to let go of their vested interests.

Action on climate change requires strong commitments and cannot be undermined. It needs political intervention. 2014 will be an ideal year with events such as the Ban ki moon summit for climate change to be a high priority on the agenda of world leaders. Countries need to take bold actions and have to stop bracketing progress. 

Thank you.