European Union Bares Position on Climate Change
Members Offer Fresh Commitments under Kyoto Protocol in the Reduction of Carbon Emissions
The European Union (EU) is amenable to making additional promises in dealing with climate change but these should be part of a more comprehensive global approach because their coalition is responsible for only 11 percent of emissions all over the world.
Delegates from all over the globe are participating in a conference until Friday in Panama to come up with a common stand before the United Nations climate conference kicks off in South Africa on Nov. 28.
The Agence-France Presse (AFP) reported that the responsibilities of highly-developed nations regarding carbon emissions ends on 2012 prodding the Union to suggest provisional obligations to preclude any interruptions.
The Kyoto Protocol is a global accord that is connected to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. It establishes goals for the EU and 37 industrialized countries to lessen greenhouse emissions.
It lays a bigger burden on wealthy nations under the rule of common but differentiated responsibilities.
"What government leaders must do is to formulate a roadmap that points to a global legal framework since there is no time for a new legal accord," according to EU climate negotiator Artur Runge-Metzger.
Scientific experts have already cautioned that carbon emissions have to hit the highest point by the middle of the decade to keep away from irreparable damage caused by climate change especially with the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions all over the globe likely to deteriorate.
The two largest produces of carbon - the U.S. and China are now not in the Kyoto Protocol anymore.
Nonetheless, China together with India is supporting the EU in appealing for another round under the Kyoto Protocol and exhorted the rich nations to render climate aid to impoverished countries according to the AFP.
Canada, Japan and Russia are part of the Protocol but stayed out of the agreement since it does not include up-and-coming economies.
Meanwhile, both Australia and Norway have mutually suggested settling on a new pact by 2015 with all wealthy nations identifying their acts and making them more obligatory and large-scale.