UN Climate Conference “The moment of truth”
Bonn · At the start of the UN Climate Conference in Bonn, hosts Fiji urge unity.
The UN Climate Conference opened in Bonn on Monday to calls for greater efforts in the fight against global warming. “This is the moment of truth,” said Frank Bainimarama, head of the government of the host country, Fiji, urging decisive action. The Federal Environment Minister, Barbara Hendricks (SPD), also made the case for a decisive implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement. In Germany, there were also warnings to the participants in the potential Jamaica coalition not to call into question current climate targets.
Representatives from more than 190 countries will negotiate the specific implementation of the Paris Agreement until 17 November in Bonn. Fiji is the host of the 23rd UN Climate Conference and its Prime Minister, Mr Bainimarama, is leading the negotiations as conference president. As the Pacific Islands cannot accommodate the up to 25,000 participants, the meeting is taking place in Bonn, the location of the UN Climate Secretariat.
“We must fulfil our obligations and may not back out of them,” urged Bainimarama. Only then would it be possible to limit global warming as agreed to a maximum of 1.5 degrees in comparison to pre-industrial times. The opening of the Climate Conference also included a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony.
The conference in Bonn will be hampered by the decision of the US government of President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. “We must stay united,” urged German Environment Minister Hendricks in her welcome speech. Referring to climate sceptics, she also clarified: “Climate change is scientifically proven.” Hendricks further urged that all countries must “strengthen their efforts” and “increase their ambition” in the fight against global warming.
The threats associated with climate change, especially for island nations such as Fiji, allow no deviation from this path, “and we don't have much more time.” Germany also pledged a further 100 million Euros to support poorer countries in overcoming the impacts of climate change.
Original text: afp. Translated by Kate Carey.
