[ 2011-12-11 ]

Durban climate talks ending: Polluters won, people lost .
DURBAN, South-Africa, December 11, 2011/African
Press Organization (APO)/ -- On the closing of the
latest round of UN climate talks in Durban
Greenpeace today declared that it was clear that
our Governments this past two weeks listened to
the carbon-intensive polluting corporations
instead of listening to the people who want an end
to our dependence on fossil fuels and real and
immediate action on climate change.

“The grim news is that the blockers lead by the
US have succeeded in inserting a vital get-out
clause that could easily prevent the next big
climate deal being legally binding. If that
loophole is exploited it could be a disaster. And
the deal is due to be implemented 'from 2020'
leaving almost no room for increasing the depth of
carbon cuts in this decade when scientists say we
need emissions to peak," said Kumi Naidoo,
Greenpeace International Executive Director.

“Right now the global climate regime amounts to
nothing more than a voluntary deal that's put off
for a decade. This could take us over the two
degree threshold where we pass from danger to
potential catastrophe.”

"Our atmosphere has been loaded with a carbon debt
and the bill, carrying a Durban postmark, has been
posted to the world's poorest countries especially
here in Africa. The chance of averting
catastrophic climate change is slipping through
our hands with every passing year that nations
fail to agree on a rescue plan for the planet."

According to Greenpeace Africa the South Africa,
as host of the COP 17 tried to ensure a meaningful
deal.

“The type of deal that has been reached has been
strongly influenced by the blockers led by US”,
said Ferrial Adam, Climate and Energy Campaigner
for Greenpeace Africa.

Distributed by the African Press Organization for
Greenpeace Africa.

Source - Greenpeace Africa

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