A deal in Copenhagen would be in sight if governments can reach agreements on commitments, institutions and money through negotiations to address the climate change, U.N. climate chief Yvo de Boer told Xinhua Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the Poznan talks, Boer outlined three key elements which could seal a deal in Copenhagen next December.
"First of all, what commitments countries are willing to make. Secondly, how can we get money on the table that will allow the developing countries to engage. Thirdly, how can we create institutions, bodies on technology, capacity building and on finance," Boer said.
"You have agreements on commitments, institutions and money, then you'll have a deal," he said.
Starting on Monday, the U.N. Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC) kicked off this year's marathon talks aiming at a deal in Copenhagen next year to succeed the Kyoto Protocol which binds 37 industrialized countries and the European Union with a 5-percent emission cut each year in the 2008-2012 period.
The Protocol is to expire in 2012. With the contagious financial crisis and U.S. power transition, the Poznan talks was widely viewed as a half-way mark of Bali talks, but not much outcome is expected from this meeting.
The 27-member European Union promised to lead the fight against climate change by reducing 20 percent of its carbon dioxide emissions below the 1990 levels by 2020, while the United States pledged to cut down its emissions to the 1990 level by 2020.
Highlighting the significance of Poznan talks, Boer insisted that certain progress will be made.
"Basically, this is the moment real negotiations can begin on different aspects on Copenhagen outcome and here for the first time, a negotiating text will be on the table so that real negotiations can really begin," he said.
"Secondly, this is the first time that ministers are meeting since Bali, Indonesia, and the last time ministers meet before Copenhagen. This is an important moment for ministers to take stock of where things stand, but also provide guidance for the remaining year," he noted.
"Thirdly, I hope there will be decisions taken here to formally launch the adaptation fund, which provides the developing countries with money to adapt to the impact of the climate change," he said.
Boer also called on the developing countries to engage in the process of fighting climate change.
"You can't solve the problem without full participation of the developing countries," he said.
While acknowledging that China is already doing a lot on climate change, Boer urged the major developing country to contribute more in addressing climate change.
Talking about the daunting complexity of reaching a deal in Copenhagen, Boer said it is important politically to stick to the Bali commitment, otherwise things will just go on and on "with no clear deadline."
Source: Xinhua
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