Fate of Negotiations Rests on Paradigm Shift and Political Leadership

BANGKOK, THAILAND — October 9, 2009 — Negotiators concluded two weeks of talks today in Bangkok, Thailand as they work to craft a global climate change solution in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December. Duncan Marsh, The Nature Conservancy’s director of international climate policy issued the following statement:

“We came to Bangkok buoyed by inspirational speeches from Climate Week in September that gave signs of international action. But as Bangkok ends, it’s clear which signs we really need – percent signs and dollar signs.

"Negotiators are doing what they can, and have made useful progress on the text, but one thing is clear. Success in Copenhagen will not be reached unless political leaders come to agreement on the key issues that still divide the countries: strong emissions reduction targets, substantial financing for developing countries, and the role that major developing countries will play in the next round of climate action.

"What’s most important is the substance of the final agreement, not the name. Whether under the Kyoto Protocol or new agreements that may emerge, it is clear that we need a new paradigm – one which retains the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and moves all nations, especially major emitters, toward greater roles in the climate solution.

"Some developing countries are already taking significant steps at home. For example, China has provided a target to reduce its energy intensity, and is looking at how to translate that into an emissions reduction target. Indonesia put their percentages on the table by proposing a target to reduce emissions over business as usual by 26% by 2020, and up to 41% with additional financing from developed countries. The challenge between now and Copenhagen is to incorporate these actions into an international agreement that captures this new paradigm.

"Indonesia is helping to shift this paradigm by taking steps on the ground. This week, with The Nature Conservancy as a key partner, Indonesia introduced an innovative initiative in the District of Berau in Kalimantan designed to show a comprehensive approach for how reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation can work, and to help bring developed and developing countries together around actions to reduce carbon emissions.

"Now it’s time for the US to help shift this paradigm too. The rest of the world has been waiting on the US for almost a decade. There is no more time to wait. The US has to play catch up, and it needs to start now, by quick action on federal legislation in the Senate and strong signs from the Administration that will keep a successful outcome for Copenhagen in the picture.”

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.