Bali climate change talks must succeed

December 4, 2007 – Government delegates in Bali must achieve a clear plan for an international climate change agreement post 2012 – to be finalised by 2009, Friends of the Earth International said today (Tuesday).

Friends of the Earth International
MEDIA ADVANCE

Tuesday 4th December 2007

BALI CLIMATE CHANGE TALKS MUST SUCCEED

BALI (INDONESIA) December 4, 2007 – Government delegates in Bali must achieve a clear plan for an international climate change agreement post 2012 – to be finalised by 2009, Friends of the Earth International said today (Tuesday).

Friends of the Earth International is urging parties at the talks to push for a strong Bali Mandate to address the climate crisis, including ambitious emissions reduction commitments from developed countries. They must also finance moves towards low carbon economies in developing countries.

The achievements of the talks in Bali are essential to ensure that as the first commitment period agreed under the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012, the next phase can be implemented in time worldwide.

Crucial issues including measures to reduce deforestation and funding to assist developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change are also on the agenda.

Friends of the Earth International Climate Coordinator Stephanie Long said:

“Rich nations must pay their climate debt to the developing world by radically reducing their emissions and help vulnerable communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. This means embracing renewable technologies, improved energy efficiency and reduced consumption.”

The grassroots international environment network is taking part in a number of events and activities at the climate talks to draw attention to the impacts of climate change (details below).

Friends of the Earth International is urging negotiators to:

Agree a timetable for negotiations to establish an international framework for major emission cuts post 2012, with legally binding burden-sharing of emissions reductions in industrialised countries based on historical responsibility;

Agree a major increase in funding for the world’s most vulnerable and impoverished countries to enable them to develop low carbon economies and adapt and build resilience against the impacts of climate change;

Establish an independent verification system to ensure emissions reductions and financing obligations are met, with stringent penalties for non-compliance.
The organisation is also highlighting concerns that agrofuels are being promoted as a solution to climate change – despite clear evidence that agrofuel production is damaging the environment and in some cases increasing emission levels.

In Indonesia it is estimated that 100 million people, of which 40 million are Indigenous Peoples, depend mainly on forests and natural resource goods and services. Large areas of forest lands traditionally used by Indigenous Peoples have already been expropriated for monoculture plantations, particularly for palm oil.

Friends of the Earth International / WALHI (Friends of the Earth Indonesia) Events in Bali:

Wednesday 5 December

Friends of the Earth International Side Event 8-9.30pm

Communities Affected by Climate Change

Report presentation and testimonies with speakers from affected communities in Indonesia and the Pacific Islands.

Thursday 6 – 7 Friday December

Financial Institutions and Climate Change

Conference on issues, impacts and alternatives organised among others by Jubilee South, Friends of the Earth International, Greenpeace International, Oil Change International.

Friday 7-10 December

Solidarity Village for a Cooler Planet

Workshops and events involving a wide range of NGOs in Nusa Dua

Saturday 8 December

International Day of Action

March and rally – Denpasar – with costumes, music and dance, people from across Bali will join in the international day of action on climate change which is taking place around the world. Contact Walhi Bali.

Saturday 8 December

“Lost in Palm Oil”

A 10 minutes version of a new documentary about palm oil film in Indonesia, produced by Inge Altemeier, will be screened at the IIED mini film festival at 10 – 1030am.

Friends of the Earth International campaigners are available for interview.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Stephanie Long, Friends of the Earth International Climate Coordinator

+62-813-389-68812

Niccolo Sarno, Friends of the Earth International Media Coordinator

+62-813-389-69973

Helen Burley, Friends of the Earth International Media Officer

+62-813-389-69937

Fay, Friends of the Earth Indonesia / WALHI Media Officer

+62-815-8070717