The Green Light from Head of States and Government statements is not well reflected in ongoing Climate Negotiation

Unlike other UN Climate Change Conferences held before COP21 in Paris, was opened with statements from head of states and government. Usually Head of states and government use to give in second week of negotiations, with great ambition of reaching consensus in Paris with political support; in opening political statement made and most of them gave green light to legal and binding agreement on climate change in Paris.

Most of world leaders acknowledged the need for urgency climate action and showed is possible for economic development by using renewable energy rather than depending on fossil fuel. Here are some of what said by member states

United States President (Barack Obama): told the conference that as the leader of the world’s largest economy and the second-largest emitter, US recognizes its role in creating climate change and its role in solving the issue. He added the agreement should be global in nature, assertive and flexible - not simply an agreement to roll back the pollution we put into the skies but an agreement that helps us lift people from poverty without condemning the next generation to a planet that is beyond its capacity to repair.

India Prime Minister (Narendra Modi): Highlighted that “over the next few days, we will decide the fate of this planet when the consequences of the industrial age powered by fossil fuel are evident especially on the lives of the poor. The prosperous still have a strong carbon footprint and the world’s billions at the bottom of the development ladder are seeking space to grow. So, the choices are not easy but we have awareness and technology. We need now national’s will and a genuine global partnership.”

From President of Russia Vladimir Putin while talking to Journalist in Paris, He pointed that is possible to develop the economy while preserving the environment and they have clear example as Russia has not only met the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol, but has done even more. They not only maintained the 1990 emission levels, but they actually reduced them. At the same time, they nearly doubled GDP during this period.

China President (Xi Jinping): said that the conference is not a finish line but a new starting point and that any agreement must take into account the differences among nations. He added that countries should be allowed to seek their own solutions according to their national interest.

Their statements reopened the page of hope lost in Copenhagen, however the negotiation are not moving forward as expected from solidarity showed by world leaders. There is slow progress in issues such as finance and loss and damage which for LDCs and SIDs these elements are bedrock of agreement.

The challenge has been on language that will reflect the demand and position of every Party, but the important note is that not all positions will be taken on board especially those favor minority and leave behind the millions of people whom are primary victim of climate change, yet they contribute less. Through there is slow move we are still optimistic that there will be agreement that will anchor demands that will reflect climate justice in agreement.