Bonn climate talks: 10 days to shape the Paris agreement

As nations meet in Bonn, Germany, to develop a global climate agreement, Christian Aid has warned that with only 10 negotiating days left until ministers meet in Paris, urgency is needed.

Mohamed Adow, Christian Aid's Senior Climate Change Advisor, said: "With the world expecting a positive outcome at the Paris summit in December it is vital that much of the legwork is done now to ensure negotiators are not left with a mountain to climb in Paris. December may feel a long way off but we only have 10 negotiating days between now and then and there is still lots of issues to be resolved.

"One of the most important things that must be included in the final deal is a ratcheting mechanism to make sure the world continues to tackle climate change over the coming years. The growing support for a long term goal of reducing global emissions to zero by 2050 is welcome and negotiators must tap this growing momentum by including strong options in the draft Paris agreement. This will give clear signals to investors of our direction of travel.

"In order to have a deal which will have a long shelf life it needs to be both flexible and durable. The way to do this is to ensure the agreement has a 5-year review process where country actions can be evaluated and improved on over time."

Despite the concern about a ratchet mechanism Mr Adow is pleased to see nations already committing to the agreement. He said: "Countries are submitting their plans which will form the building blocks of the agreement, we have a good number now but we need the others to deliver. With time running out we can't have nations dragging their feet. If the 58 countries which have already submitted their plans can do so then there is no excuse for the others to delay.

"The other big issue that we need to see progress on is adaptation and climate finance. The world has already locked in a certain level of warming, which is hurting the poor especially. We must not leave them to fend for themselves. If richer countries can help developing nations to develop along a low carbon path then everyone will benefit. But poor nations need to be inspired and supported to leave dirty fossil fuels like coal behind.

Source: Christian Aid