Bali 2007: Local Governments heading to Bali for the international climate change negotiations
Local governments from around the world will be actively participating in the Local Government Climate Sessions and the international climate change sessions currently taking place in Bali (Indonesia)
10,000 delegates are expected to gather at COP 13 over the next two weeks to continue the formal negotiations on a global response on climate change. Specifically, it is hoped that the ‘Bali Roadmap’ will begin in Bali, referring to the process of beginning negotiations on a new international climate change agreement for the post-Kyoto period. While it is assumed that COP 13 will not result in a fully negotiated and agreed climate deal, delegates will need to agree on when the negotiations will conclude so that a new climate deal can be ratified before the end of 2012, when the Kyoto Protocol ends.
In his opening remarks, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer listed areas requiring urgent agreement: adaptation actions; the Adaptation Fund; a framework for technology cooperation; and initial actions to reduce emissions from deforestation. He also called for: leadership in creating a new energy future; bold action in the North to fuel clean growth in the South; collective responsibility in using fossil fuels without destroying the environment; and the prioritization of adaptation.
The action and leadership taken by local governments across the world to advance climate protection is recognized as leading the strongest potential for effective and swift reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Local governments present at COP 13 - representing ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, C-40, United Cities and Local Governments, the US Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, and the World Mayors Council on Climate Change – plan to advocate for urgent agreements as called for by the UNFCCC Executive Secretary, and to advocate for local governments creating, with their national governments, this new energy future.
To follow the negotiations from a local government perspective, we invite you to visit www.iclei.org for a daily report from Bali, where you will also be able to view media releases and interviews. ICLEI’s website will also have links to live webcasts of local government side events, launches and press conferences being held during the second week of COP 13, from 10 to 14 December.
Media enquiries:
Tanya Imola, at tanya.imola@iclei.org