New texts, old divides

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We’re up to the fifth draft agreement for negotiations under the Durban Platform now. My fellow Trackers have carefully analysed the changes and positions reflected in those texts. As the delegate for Japan just noted:

This is a text of compromise, and we have little time left.

But I want to look here at just who is compromising, because the Lima talks have reinforced and deepened old rifts. Instead of confirming differentiation in mitigation, our negotiators have simply confirmed division in negotiation.

Economics still divide us. The starkest divide is that G77 and China versus the developed, wealthy Annex One countries. You can rephrase that with numerous subtle difference, pointing to the Like Minded Group versus the Umbrella Group or whatever you wish. But cutting beneath all these negotiating blocks is the simple historical inequality in wealth. We are still seeing the rich countries - like my own - driving their agenda roughshod over the interests of least developed states.

That must end. We need to bridge this economic divide. To make progress in Paris, these deep economic ravines must be bridged.

To keep the world below two degrees - let alone 1.5 degrees - we need both developed and developing states to take on aggressive, urgent emissions reduction targets. But for that to happen, a trust gap must be filled - and practical support must be given. The wealthiest economies must live up to their promises on finance and adaptation, and then go further.

Lidy Nacpil from Jubilee South Asia Pacific: “We demand a finance roadmap—when and how much they [rich countries] will deliver on their financial obligations before 2020.”

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About The Author

David Tong

David is an experienced New Zealand lawyer, now working towards his Masters of Laws. He is one of two founding co-chairs of the Aotearoa New Zealand Human Rights Lawyers Association and chairs P3 Foundation, New Zealand’s youth movement against extreme poverty. He was also a New Zealand Youth Delegate to the 2011 Durban talks.

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  • Gerry

    Compromise doesn’t work when the big dog barks. Separate into 2 camps and create an agreement between developing countries and force it on the developed; a traditional labour strategy—strike. It’s time to get serious!

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