Australia says yes to a safe climate future*

* conditions apply

G’day all (why is it that you slip into Australian-isms once you leave our sunny shores!?)

The UN climate change talks have got off to a - well - a very polite start. This morning was an interesting induction for me into the whole negotiating process. All the countries sit behind their name plaques in big long rows, along with many other observers in the room, some of us even sitting on the floor. A panel sits on the stage and open the talks then lots of different groups and countries make statements from their chairs.

It wasn't before long, that the familiar sounds of the Aussie accent rang clear in my ears. It was Louise Hand, lead negotiator here at Bonn, and our Ambassador for Climate Change stating Australia’s position on securing an ambitious global deal.

It started off well. Our government put on the record that Australia is committed to an ambitious global climate change deal that will secure a safe future not only for our great island, but for the future of our planet J

As far as I can tell, all countries agree that we need an ambitious global deal. There is no denying that anything less will mean that Pacific Islanders loose their homes to rising sea levels, more and more farmers in Africa will have their crops destroyed by drought, and fires will worsen throughout south eastern Australia as land becomes increasingly dry.

However, as was put on the table today, Australia’s ambition comes with conditions. Australia will only commit to a 25% emissions reduction if:

• Other developed countries commit to at least a 25% reduction against 1990 levels
• Do something which Australia is yet to do, name the year which their carbon emissions will peak (and then decline)
• There is global action to generate finance for the global carbon markets – including contributions from developing countries

Who can spot the problems with this position?

Exactly. Australia, as one of the world’s biggest per capita emitters is in no position to demand that developing countries, who are struggling to pull their citizens above the poverty line, take almost as strong commitments as Australia does. Likewise, it is simply unfair and unequitable to ask developing countries who have struggling economies to pay for climate change mitigation and adaptation when their contribution to the problem is a whiter shade of pale in comparison.

The ambition of the Australian government for a global deal is really exciting! The conditions however are unequitable and unfair and will not ensure a safe future for our planet and our peoples. It's only day one of Bonn, so things can change, right?

Tomorrow I am meeting with some of the members from the Australian delegation. It will be a chance for me to ask how the Australian delegation feels about the likelihood of an ambitious deal being reached this year, and who they plan to work with to ensure that this will happen. Stay tuned.

From UN climate talks, day one

Cara