Change Conference in Bali, by Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, South Africa
12 December 2007
Mr President
South Africa associates itself with the statement by Pakistan on behalf of
G77 and China. In 1992, when the convention was negotiated, there was some
scientific uncertainty about the link between climate change and human
activity.
In the face of this uncertainty, the convention was negotiated as a
framework that enables the international community to agree on future action as
the science improves or new tools and technologies become available.
As a framework the convention only establishes the 'Rules of the Game' to
guide our future collective action. It sets the long term goal, determines the
key principles, and identifies the main areas of work. But it does not specify
exactly what action should be taken, and how.
Therefore, in 1995, when the 2nd Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) Assessment Report gave us more scientific certainty, this august body
took decisive action and developed a new legal instrument, the Kyoto Protocol,
under this framework.
Mr President
Today, some 12 years later, we are faced with alarming and overwhelming
scientific findings from the fourth Assessment Report. As in 1995, we now, once
again, have to take control of our common future. As the leading policy-makers
on the environment, our key task here in Bali is to take decisive action to
give further concrete and substantial content to the Framework Convention.
The climate challenge is urgent and global. The Bali Roadmap must deliver a
strengthened and effective multilateral climate regime. This regime should
galvanise deep reductions in emissions for developed countries, and enable
developing countries to leap-frog to a low carbon-intensity growth path.
If we want to conclude our negotiations on a strengthened climate regime by
the end of 2009, we must agree this week on the form and shape of the Bali
Roadmap. This roadmap must raise the bar for all.
Some of our partners say that we will not get a climate deal without
developing countries. Let's be clear on that: As a developing country we will
take ambitious mitigation action. South Africa will contribute its fair share
towards our common responsibility for the future. Our actions will be
measurable, reportable and verifiable. Given the urgency indicated by science,
there is no longer a plausible excuse for inaction by any country.
Mr President, science tells us that emissions must peak in the next 10 to 15
years, and then be reduced by half of 2000 levels by 2050. Towards this end,
the Bali Roadmap must signal the resolve of developed countries to reduce their
emissions by at least 25 to 40% below 1990 levels by 2 020. Comparable
commitments by all Annex I Parties, including those who have not ratified
Kyoto, will be imperative.
President, in conclusion, achieving climate stability and sustainable
development in an equitable way requires individual nations to rise above short
term self-interest for the benefit of the long term global public good. We must
all act with a greater sense of urgency. We have different responsibilities for
the past, and we should all take common responsibility for the future. South
Africa stands ready.
Finally President, let me emphasise that women are particularly vulnerable
to the devastating impacts of climate change. Yesterday the Network of Women
Ministers for the Environment adopted a statement that should receive our
active and resourced support. We encourage the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to develop a gender strategy as part of
our work going forward.
Thank you
Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
12 December 2007
