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<\/a><\/p>\nThobile Hans<\/p>\n
7 December 2011<\/p>\n
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President Jacob Zuma urged negotiating parties to secure an enhanced multilateral, rules-based response to climate change that is equally binding on all. Speaking at the opening of high level segment in Durban on Tuesday, Zuma said, “The objective would be for the multilateral rules based system, binding on all Parties, to be implemented by no later than 2020.”<\/p>\n
“The time has come for the world to move away from analysis, study and research, to identifying practical adaptation actions that can be implemented on the ground. There can be no dispute that research and analysis are important aspects of adaptation actions.”<\/p>\n
He asserted that we now need more practical action. “In this regard, the Adaptation Committee must be constituted. Its functions must be decided upon so that it can begin its work.”<\/p>\n
Zuma pointed out that humanity has never been so profoundly aware of climate change, its impact and the necessity to radically reduce the emissions to save the next generation. The developing world and Africa in particular are hardest-hit by climate change.<\/p>\n
“As we have always emphasized, a global multilateral response grounded in the principle of common, but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities, will be the only effective and sustainable answer to this pressing global challenge.<\/p>\n
“We have also always sustained that without multilateral rules-based system there can be no guarantee that countries will honour their commitments”.<\/p>\n
Zuma referred to adaptation and financing as two critical issues expected to be discussed this week at the conference. Finance remains one of the key issues, not only for a comprehensive climate deal, but also to pace the goal of community on a path to build resilient societies.<\/p>\n
“The need for the dedicated financing to be made available for adaptation programmes and assistance will continue to be of critical importance in all future climate change negotiations,” he said.<\/p>\n
With reference to future actions, it remains of critical importance that the level of ambition should correspond with the demands of science. Any agreement on a future response should also take into account what science prescribes, as well as the outcome of the 5th report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).<\/p>\n
The South African president said another challenge to overcome is the lack of confidence from developing countries in the delivery and transparency of the pledged Fast Start Finance. “The developed world must continue to take the lead. On the other hand, the developing countries must show willingness to take their fair share of responsibilities, keeping in mind the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, to deal with challenge of climate change,” Zuma said.<\/p>\n
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