Copenhagen outcome a "cop" out

Press release, December 18, 2009

Rather than starting a new decade full of hope, developing countries have been failed by the outcome of the United Nations climate change talks in Copenhagen.

In the run up to the summit, hopes were high for a fair and just deal for those most vulnerable to climate change, yet no legally binding deal was agreed.

At the last minute a 'deal' was agreed by world leaders, but the 'Copenhagen Accord' leaves much to be desired. The main points include:

• No emission reduction targets for industrialised counties
• No plan for how to implement adaptation support for developing counties
• No timeframe for resolving these issues

It is felt the Copenhagen COP has put talks back by two years, leaving developing countries not further forward than they were following the Bali talks in 2007, where it was decided 2009 would be the final deadline for a post Kyoto successor.

And while NGOs and key members of country delegations were effectively locked out of the talks or forced to queue for hours, celebrity and rock stars seemingly had easy access to the conference. This meant experts were unable to scrutinise text coming out of the conference and raise important questions regarding the detail.

This year's indecision and lack of leadership means millions of people across the world will continue to suffer as climate injustice adversely affects the lives of those who have done little to contribute to the problem.

See also our blog from Copenhagen

For more information, please contact: Jane Eason, Practical Action Media Officer, Tel: 01926 634510, Out of Hours: 07970 285823, E-mail: jane.eason@practicalaction.org.uk