CorpComms Magazine

What's been going on in Durban?

Climate change talks have been taking place in the South African city over the past two weeks.

Who was taking part?

Delegates attended from 195 nations.

And what did they decide?

The main outcome was the decision to continue the Kyoto protocol.

I have heard a lot about Kyoto, when was it agreed?

It was adopted in 1997 but only came into force in 2005.

And what did it actually do?

The developed countries that ratified it must reduce their collective emission of six greenhouse gases by 5.2 per cent from 1990 levels, amongst other things.

Why did it take so long to come into force?

It had to be ratified by 55 countries. The developed countries that ratified it had to be responsible for 55 per cent of the 1990 emissions.

That sounds good, but why is Durban so important?

Kyoto runs out in 2012 so it was important for a deal to be agreed before that date.

Also, the deal at Durban finally imposes legally binding international cuts on emerging giants, such as China and India, as well as the United States who signed up but did not ratify the agreement at Kyoto.

So what was actually decided?

All countries agreed to work on a new legally binding treaty to address climate change. It will be decided by 2015 and will come into effect in 2020. The process will be called the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action.

Great! Is everybody happy?

Not really. India only reluctantly agreed, stating that it was unfair to put pressure on Delhi to compromise, while the African Group said that the outcome lacked balance. Most affected by climate change, the Alliance of Small Islands (including countries such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, Fiji and Singapore) said it had gone along with a deal but only because it was the best option available.

Oh dear. What do the experts think?

Alden Meyer, Chief scientist of the Union of Concerned Scientists stated that greater ambition will be needed when it comes to reducing emissions and finance in order to keep the average rise to within two degrees Celsius over the next century.

Why is two degrees important?

Two degrees has been the maximum ceiling acceptable to many scientists and environmental advocates since the 1980s to prevent dangerous climate change. It has driven global negotiations on this issue since the 1980s and began to be cemented in policy circles after the EU adopted the target in 1996.

What does all this mean for the UK?

The EU's proposals were at the core of negotiations in Durban and it is reported that the UK played a central role in galvanising support. It is hoped that this is a sign that further talks will be in the UK's best interests.

Will this have any effect on UK business?

The Green Climate Fund could make a difference. This was another important part of the agreement at Durban. The fund will start operating from 2013 and will provide money to help poorer nations shift toward low-emissions. The UN needs to build infrastructure to administer this fund so there may be opportunities for businesses to get involved, such as seconding staff to a relevant national body.

Where is money coming from?

Good question. There are limited funds globally so businesses could have another important role to play in mobilising private capital to support investment in low-carbon growth. 

share me: del.icio.us | digg | reddit | Tweet