Little Movement in Barcelona, but World Moves Closer to a Climate Solution

BARCELONA, SPAIN — November 6, 2009 —The Nature Conservancy today released the following statement by Duncan Marsh, Director of International Climate Policy:

“The past few days in Barcelona have been a roller coaster ride, full of ups and downs. But at the end of the day, negotiators remain committed to moving forward and keeping talks alive.

“And perhaps most importantly, there is growing evidence that governmental leaders from around the world are engaged behind the scenes at unprecedented levels.

“But time is short. Real progress needs to be made in the coming weeks at the highest government levels in order to put together a meaningful agreement in Copenhagen.

“Negotiators in Copenhagen must consolidate their efforts over the past two years into a framework that contains the principles for actions by key countries to reduce emissions, establishes a significant financial commitment to help developing countries adapt to climate change and move toward clean energy economies, and commits to a comprehensive, legally-binding agreement.

“Such an agreement must be finalized in legally-binding form within months, not years.

“Though the pace of negotiations in Barcelona was far too slow, there are emerging signals from around the world that governments are moving to take serious action on climate change.

“China, India, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Indonesia and others have made recent pledges to significantly limit their carbon emissions, promote clean energy or reduce deforestation.

“The European Union proposed guidance on the level of funding developed countries will need to provide to effectively combat and adapt to climate change. Governments now need to make the commitments to provide that funding.

“In the United States, the Senate took steps this week to clear a path forward on climate and energy legislation that would cap US emissions – an essential step in reaching a comprehensive global agreement. A top committee sent a bill toward the Senate floor, and a bipartisan group of Senators pledged to work with their colleagues to ensure US climate policy is developed that can receive support from both parties.

“The US Congress and administration must now act swiftly to fulfill that promise. The coming weeks offer President Obama the opportunity to clearly demonstrate his commitment to acting seriously on climate change -- and the world’s opportunity to re-embrace US engagement.

“Time is short, but, in the G-20, Major Economies Forum, and other important meetings over the next six weeks, leaders have the opportunity to bridge their remaining differences.

“Scientific data tells us that the impacts of climate change – both current and future– are accelerating faster than previously predicted. And we are seeing devastating droughts, floods and changing weather patterns that are displacing populations, causing food shortages and sparking social unrest that threatens each and every one of us. All countries need to move quickly and join the global effort to reduce emissions and help people and nature adapt to this threat.

“It will require extraordinary leadership and political will to reach the firm commitment needed in Copenhagen to safeguard our planet for future generations.”

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.