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Carbon Brief Staff

24.09.2014 | 4:30pm
International policySummaries of country statements given at the UN secretary general’s climate summit
INTERNATIONAL POLICY | September 24. 2014. 16:30
Summaries of country statements given at the UN secretary general’s climate summit

The 65 summaries below are taken from the statements made to the UN secretary general summit yesterday by country delegates, often verbatim.

We have some analysis of the key announcements here.

Update 25/9: we added summaries for Australia and India.

Angola

The world needs a two degree limit for warming.
Angola backs common but differentiated responsibilities [developed countries to lead].
Africa is particularly vulnerable.
Angola is already witnessing desertification, drought and torrential rain.
It has a national adaptation plan.

Antigua and Barbuda

It is already paying a “high price” for climate change.
Climate change is not an academic discussion or statistical game when real lives are at stake.
It is an “angry and frustrated” victim of the “profligacy of others”.
There is a “deafening silence” on finance contributions from rich nations.

Australia

Committed to reducing emissions 5 per cent below 2000 levels by 2020.
That’s equivalent to a 22 per cent cut on business as usual.
Australia is responsible for 1.5 per cent of global emissions.
Has committed $2.55 billion to a domestic emissions reduction fund.
Between 2010 and 2013 delivered $600 million to support developing countries to respond to climate change.
Cites Montreal Protocol as “logical forum” to take action on HFCs.
Will host summit on rainforests in November.

Austria

Climate consequences are already being felt around the globe.
Warming in Austria since 1880 is double the global average.
World must halve emissions by 2050 through a legally binding deal.
Climate change should be integrated into the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals that will replace the Millennium Development Goals.

Bahamas

Climate change “threatens our very existence”.
80 per cent of the its land will be submerged by 1.5 metre sea level rise.
It has a focus on adaptation but is also aiming for 30 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.
“So far all the world has done is talk”.
Nothing can happen without money so the Green Climate Fund needs to work.

Barbados

It wants a 1.5 degree target and legally binding deal.
It is aiming for 29 per cent renewable electricity and a 22 per cent electricity saving by 2029.
“We must act boldy, we must act together and we must act now.”

Bolivia

Developing countries “continue to suffer the most”.
Their societies are being “devastated” and “their very existence” threatened.
Developed countries must take the lead, given their historical responsibility, and are currently failing to meet commitments on finance and technology.
Bolivia backs a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol and is “extremely disappointed” by developed countries that are not party to this or have withdrawn [US, Canada].
Pre-2020 ambition must be primarily achieved by developed nations, who should have committed to a 40 per cent reduction below 1990 levels by 2020.
Climate finance should reach $70 billion a year by 2016, $100 billion by 2020 and increase thereafter.

Bosnia and Herzegovena

It wants a legal agreement in 2015 towards a two degrees goal.
Its analysis has found more climate extremes domestically in the past decade including floods, droughts and heavy rain.
May and August broke a 120-year record for heavy rain in the country. Resulting flood damage cost 15 per cent of GDP.

Bulgaria

“Climate change is not an illusion”.
Extreme weather this year “did a lot of damage” and took innocent lives.
Bulgaria aims to cut emissions  18.5 per cent by 2020 against 2005 levels and has a national energy efficiency aim. “The cheapest energy is the energy you save”.
It backs the World Bank statement on carbon pricing.

Burundi

Its economy is based on rain-fed agriculture is vulnerable to increasing climate risks.
It has a national adaptation plan and reforestation plan.
It backs the second Kyoto Protocol commitment period.

Chile

Chile only accounts for 0.25 per cent of global emissions but “this is not excuse for inaction on our part”.
The country is suffering an eight-year drought and its glaciers have shrunk, reducing water reserves and increasing flood risk.
A climate deal must place equal focus on adaptation and mitigation. It should contain contributions from all countries.
It has committed to a 20 per cent emissions cut by 2020 if it gets international financial support.
It has a tax on carbon emissions from power stations.

China

Climate change is a “grave challenge”. China is ready to work to tackle this and attaches high importance to doing so.
It will “make greater effort to more effectively address climate change”.
China reiterates its target to cut carbon intensity by 40 to 45 per cent of 2005 levels by 2020.
In 2013 it was already 28.5 per cent lower, equivalent to a 2.5 billion tonne cut in emissions.
Retired 95 gigawatts of coal capacity between 2006 and 2013 and installed 24 per cent of new global renewable capacity in 2013.
It will announce post-2020 actions “as soon as we can” and peak total emissions “as soon as possible”.
It plans a “revolution” in energy production and consumption, including a cap on total energy use.
China will introduce national carbon trading “at a faster pace”.
A global deal must be based on the UNFCCC framework and its principles [developed countries must take the lead].
Developed nations must “intensify” emissions reductions and fulfill promise of climate finance.
“Response to climate change is the common cause of mankind.”

Congo

Sustainable forest management is at the centre of its work, including the REDD+ initiative with international partners.
“The battle against climate change must not be lost”.
“We must leave behind the suicidal blindness that characterises the world today.”
Congo backs a second Kyoto commitment period for rich nations.
It is human life, not the earth, that is in danger.
Congo wants a legally binding deal from Paris.

Costa Rica

A “transformative” and binding climate agreement next year is a necessity.
Costa Rica aims to become carbon neutral by 2021.
It will create an electric rail network and biofuel-powered bus network to “revolutionise car culture” and reduce private vehicle use.
It already gets 90 per cent of its power from renewables [mainly hydroelectric dams]. This will rise to 100 per cent in 2016 when a new dam opens at Reventazon.
Two geothermal power projects will back up other renewable energy sources.
It has a moratorium on oil extraction to 2021.
It wants international financial support.
Powerful nations must move beyond self-imposed limits with greater ambition.
Equity in emissions cuts should include historic emissions and the biggest emitters today.

Cuba

Some thought Fidel Castro was exaggerating in 1992 when he said humankind was at risk of disappearing but his words “remain fully valid” today.
“Climate change is unquestionable and the influence of men becomes clearer.”
Rich nations must show “real political will”. They bear historic responsibility and have greater capacity.
Climate change is mainly caused by the “capitalist domination system” in which 1 per cent of the world’s population has 50 per cent of the wealth.
A global deal should be within the UNFCCC framework and should include mitigation and adaptation.
More than half of growth in Cuban energy supply will be from renewables, with green energy contributing 24 per cent of energy supplies by 2030. At present, fossil fuels supply 96 per cent of the island’s energy.

Cyprus

“There is no future for humanity on earth” without concerted action on climate change.
“We are running out of time” to act before the impacts become “catastrophic and irreversible”.
The Mediterranean is already experiencing serious climate impacts such as prolonged drought and forest degradation.
Cyprus will have a national adaptation strategy by the end of the year.
It is implementing relevant EU policies on climate.
It wants states to submit climate pledges by March 2015, as agreed.
Cyprus backs the EU target to cut emissions by 80 to 95 per cent by 2050 “provided that all countries will contribute their fair share”.
It wants a single, new, legally-binding deal towards two degrees.

Czech Republic

Climate change poses many challenges but also presents opportunities.
The Czech Republic is ready to contribute a “fair share” to the global effort consistent with a two degrees goal.
It is meeting its existing climate obligations and has surpassed its Kyoto committment.
It has a new adaptation strategy.
A global deal needs to include “meaningful” pledges from all parties.
The Czech Republic backs the World Bank carbon pricing initiative.
It pledges $5.5 million to the Green Climate Fund over the next two years.

Ecuador

It is building 2.8 gigawatts worth of new hydroelectric dams to open in 2017.
It is implementing energy efficiency measures that have reduced energy sector emissions by 39 per cent.
Ecuador aims to restore 500 million hectares of forest by 2017 as part of a national restoration plan.
It wants historical responsibility for emissions to be considered.
Those that suffer the consequences of climate change, like Ecuador, are not seeing effective leadership on the financial contributions and commitments needed.

El Salvador

El Salvador backs common but differentiated responsibilities in tackling climate change.
Climate extremes that are without precedence in its records have been seen in recent years. These have caused severe economic costs and loss of life.
Developed countries must show leadership.
Climate deal must include adaptation to already inevitable climate damages.
The second Kyoto commitment period leaves a gap in ambition and some developed nations are not even party to it [US, Canada etc].

Equatorial Guinea

The technologies causing climate change are comparable to weapons of mass destruction.
Equatorial Guinea is a developing nation that relies on mother nature.
It is eliminating fossil-fueled power stations in favour of hydroelectric resources.
It is aiming to reduce forest exploitation by 25 per cent.
It thinks countries that rely on a functioning climate should be compensated by those whose emissions have affected the climate.

Fiji

Fiji wants the New York summit to be a “watershed” in efforts to tackle the “scourge” of climate change.
Sea level rise of 1 metre predicted by the IPCC for 2100 would “spell doom” for many of its coastal communities. “The future of our children looks bleak”.
Climate change “threatens our very existence”.
Limiting warming to 1.5 degrees is “imperative”.
All countries must demonstrate their political will to deal with this global challenge.
Fiji is aiming for 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.
It wants a legally binding deal in Paris with necessary transfers of technology and finances.

Finland

If we fail to act we could push the climate “beyond the tipping point, with the situation spiralling out of our control”.
Finland will contribute “her fair share” to the Green Climate Fund.
It aims to become carbon neutral in the long term and cut emissions by 80 per cent in 2050.
It is planning to phase out coal power by 2025.

France

Climate disruption is no longer a hypothesis but a certainty that threatens peace and security.
Climate could provoke population movements and war.
The world should aim to limit warming to two degrees through a legal framework with common rules but different responsibilities.
France aims to cut its emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 [in line with the planned EU target].
France pledges “up to” $1 billion in coming years to the Green Climate Fund.

Georgia

“The time for action is now, before climate change creates widespread and unpredictable changeâ?¦ and jeopardizes the lives of millions”.
A climate deal should “strengthen” the efforts of all parties.
The Warsaw agreement on Loss and Damage should be given a central place.
Georgia aims to become a hydropower “giant” supplying excess electricity to neighbouring countries.
It aims to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Germany

We must act “swiftly and decisively” to limit warming to two degrees.
Millions are at risk of being driven from their homes by climate change.
Developing nations are hardest hit.
Germany is “leading the way with ambitious targets”.
[No details or new commitments on emissions or finance.]

Greece

Greece wants a legally binding deal towards two degrees.
Climate action is unavoidable and imperative for economic recovery.
It supports the European Commission’s proposed 2030 targets, including a 40 per cent emissions reduction against 1990 levels.
It is “convinced that we all share this imperative priority” and “optimistic” a deal at Paris will be reached.

Guatemala

Guatemala feels a “strong sense of commitment” to climate action.
It recently faced prolonged drought affecting more than 1.2 million people and costing 5 per cent of GDP to date.
It wants a legally binding deal in Paris.
It wants early funding for the Green Climate Fund.

India

Modi’s government attaches “high importance” to achieving development “while addressing climate change”. It has changed the environment and forests ministry to a climate, environment and forests ministry.
The tax on coal has been doubled to 100 Rupees per tonne [£1], raising funds for clean energy technologies.
“We have $6 billion available for afforestation”
Indian per capita energy consumption at 0.9 toe/year is a quarter of developed country use.
India has a voluntary target to cut the emissions intensity of its GDP by 20-25 per cent of 2005 levels by 2020.
It is doubling installed wind capacity over the next five years.
It plans for 20 gigawatts of solar and 10 gigawatts of energy efficiency savings by 2020.
“It is self evident that developing countries can do more if finance and technology support and capacity building is ensured.”
“If the developed world walks the talk, then we can certainly achieve the targets that we have set ourselves collectively.”

Israel

Its domestic focus is on energy efficiency, switching from coal to gas and developing renewables.
“I am here to declare Israel’s support for a new global agreement on climate change.”
“We must rise above political differences.”
“I believe the environment is one thing we all agree on.”

Italy

(Thanks to Allesandra Nigro for the translation.)

“The climate change agreement [Paris 2015] should be binding. Climate change is the challenge of our times, science tells us. There’s no time to waste: policy makers must play their part. Our children want the Paris agreement to be binding, and that jobs in the green economy are real. Italy is ready to contribute to the UN green fund with a substantial donation.”

Kazakhstan

Growing green economy is “central” to goal of joining world’s 30 most developed states.
Aims to decrease energy intensity by 20 per cent by 2050 on 2008 levels.
Reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40 per cent by 2050.
Supports a carbon price and has own emissions trading scheme.

Republic of Korea

Next year will become the first Asian country to implement a nationwide emissions trading scheme.
Will submit a plan next year to support the post-2020 regime.
“The early capitalisation of the GCF is vital to the launch of a new climate regime next year… The Korean government pledges up to 100 million dollars to the GCF, including the 50 million we are currently paying.”

Kyrgyzstan

“Mountainous countries such as Kyrgyzstan are the first [at risk from climate change] because of their complex mountain ecosystems.”
“Even now in our country, there are consequences of climate change such as increase in air temperature, rapid melting of glaciers, reduction in runoff, and desertification.”
Made voluntary commitment to reduce emissions by 20 per cent compared to “business as usual”.
Confirms support for a 2015 deal.
Focusing on hydropower.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Sees itself as particularly vulnerable to impacts of climate change.
Focus on reducing deforestation.
Wants a collective and transparent effort to mobilise funds for REDD+

Liberia

Says climate change has affected its agriculture, fisheries and coastal erosion.
Wants to “climate proof” its development.
Has completed a gender and climate change strategy.
Entered two new partnerships with Norway – on deforestation and low carbon energy.

Liechtenstein

“There are no effective national solutions, and there can be no place for outdated notions of sovereignty”.
Aims to reduce emissions 20 per cent compared to 1990 levels by 2020.
Supports deal in 2015, with intermediate agreement in Lima.
Invested 700,000 [$750,000] swiss francs in projects in Africa and Asia. Committed another 600,000 [$630,000] swiss francs to projects from 2013 to 2015.

Malawi

Malawi’s national strategy is based on improving resilience.
Its policies include public awareness campaigns, renewables investment and better early warning systems.
It has a Green Belt Initiative to take water from lakes and rivers to help agriculture.

Malaysia

Malaysia has a target to cut carbon intensity 40 per cent by 2020 [in line with China].
Its policies are based around a Renewable Energy Act.
“Progress came at a cost. In allocating finite national resources, we have had to make painful decisions. Sometimes, we have had to choose between adaptation and mitigation”.
It spent $2.6 billion in a decade adapting to more frequent floods.
It has “learned that mitigation without adaptation is an exercise in futility”.
“We did not receive the [financial] assistance we were promised”.
“This time must be different. This time, all countries should commit to an ambitious deal to reduce emissions. And they must follow-up that commitment with consistent action.”

Maldives

Associates itself with G77 and AOSIS statements.
Pushes for more commitment along the lines of common but differentiated responsibility
“Climate financing is not only crucial for making a deal in Paris 2015; it is indispensable for reducing emissions and helping countries to adapt”
“Is it not ironic that nations like the Maldives… are made hopeless bystanders, while others who ignore the threat they impose on us, decide our fate?”
“The Maldives refuses to be helpless victims, but rather the agents of change”
Requires $1.5 billion for adaptation and mitigation

Mali

The state of the climate is alarming. Without new measures warming will exceed two degrees.
The consequences could be irreversible and even catastrophic for the natural world and our economies.
Nations of the Sahel region are in the throes of climate change already and Africa could lose 25 to 40 per cent of its natural habitats by the end of the century.
Action so far has been only minimal.
Sub-Saharan Africa only emits two per cent of emissions so others must take the lead.
Mali is creating a climate-resilient economy including forest restoration and development of renewable energy.

Malta

“Malta has always been on the forefront in advocating climate action.”
Will offer scholarships to students from states vulnerable to climate change to study in Malta.
Will provide assistance at a policymaking level to states threatened by climate change.
Wants to be an “energy hub” for the Mediterranean, supplying renewable energy and gas.
“The benefits of a low carbon economy far outweigh the negatives.”

Mexico (Google translate.)

Wants more transparency in negotiations.
Need a clear definition of what is and what isn’t climate finance, and effective monitoring of climate finance flows.
Climate finance must be balanced between funds for consultation between nations and technology and infrastructure projects.
Announces contribution of 10 million dollars to green climate fund.

Federated States of Micronesia

Wants enhanced ambition for mitigation. Cites UNEP Gap report – on track for 3-5 degrees celsius temperature rise this century.
“A fast HFC phase down offers the lowest cost and the largest scale climate mitigation available to the world in the near term … [will] avoid up to 0.5 degrees celcius of warming by the end of the century.”
Wants a focus on making the Montreal Protocol successful and expanding it.
“We all must ACT and MUST ACT NOW.”

Monaco

Humanity faces a peril of its own making.
This is the consequence of errors, excess and indifference, of ignorance and blindness.
We have no choice but to act to change the principles and habits on which we have founded our development.
Paris is one of the last chances to act.
Monaco aims to cut its emissions 30 per cent of 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050.

Mongolia

“We cannot go forward without engaging the Top 5 countries and groups who produce 66 per cent of total carbon. They also need to agree to a carbon fee.”
“Climate change… should be dealt as forcefully by the international community as Ebola or ISIS.”
GCF needs to be made fully operational.
Temperatures in Mongolia have risen 2.1 degrees.
Wants to half CO2 per GDP [carbon intensity] by 2020, and reduce 2.5 times by 2030, compared to 2006.

Montenegro

Montenegrin constitution proclaims that it is an ‘Ecological State’.
Has climate targets in line with other EU countries.

Mozambique

Is in full alignment with statement made by Bolivia on behalf of the G77 and China, with Sudan/Tanzania on behalf of the African group, and Nepal on behalf of LDCs.
Developed countries must show leadership and increased ambition.
Agreement must reflect historical responsibilities.
One of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the impacts of climate change.
Has a strategy aimed at increasing resilience and reducing climate risk.
Will improve access to renewable energy – will need significant support.

Myanmar

“Climate change is not an issue of dispute any more.”
“The risk it poses to the world’s food supply in coming decades is alarming.”
Nationwide programme of afforestation.
Myanmar has greater sinks than sources of GHG emissions.
30 year forestry sector management plan.

Republic of Nauru (on behalf of AOSIS)

Wants ‘ambitious, meaningful and universal agreement’ to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.
Is formulating NDCs.
Developed countries must take the lead.
Wants initial capitalisation of GDC with $15 billion USD and easier access for small island developing states [SIDS].

Nicaragua

“The structural causes of the climate crisis lie within political and economic models based on unsustainable patterns of production and consumption of developed countries, which generate inequity, injustice, poverty, hunger and social exclusion”.
Gone from 25 per cent renewable electricity 2007 to 52 per cent in 2013. Will achieve 74 per cent by 2018 and 90 per cent by 2020.
Wants international mechanism on loss and damage.

Portugal

“Citizens won’t accept” [failure] to agree a deal.
Wants a single goal, rules-based, legally binding agreement, preferably a protocol, to limit temperature increase to below 2 degrees.
Should foster a global carbon market.
Portugal has 27 per cent renewable electricity by consumption, and almost 60 per cent by supply. And is pursuing a range of initiatives to promote green growth.
It wants to double the number of green jobs by 2030, reduce greenhouse gases 30-40 per cent by 2030, increase renewable energy share to 40 per cent by 2030.

Samoa

Response to Ebola is a sharp contrast to the way “some member states” have responded to climate change.
Wants “20 per cent carbon neutrality” by 2030.
Will reduce fossil fuel dependence 10 per cent by 2016, increasing renewable energy 10 per cent.
Will aim for 100 per cent renewable power generation by 2017.

San Marino

Wants a 2 degree limit.
And a switch from fossil fuels to renewables within a generation.
Wants an end to deforestation by 2030.
By 2020 will have 20 per cent “of production from renewable sources”, 20 per cent reduction in GHG emissions and 20 per cent improvement in energy efficiency.

Serbia

“Some parts of my country received precip[itations equal to rainfalls that happen once in a thousand years.”
“Has climate changed… are these changes man made… is it possible to control Nature in the way to to fully protect ourselves from its whims? Science has offered a fair number of answers to many of these questions. Consensus has been reached on some explanations; however, views and scientific truth seem to be in contradiction to some others.”
“Our basic and most important task is to adapt and prepare the government and society alike to address every possible scenario, including the worst-case one.”

Spain

“Make no mistake. None of the countries represented here can wait.”
Is meeting 2020 GHG reduction targets. With the EU will cut emissions 40 per cent by 2030 on 1990 levels.
“Please allow me to highlight, with pride, that Spain has become the first country in the world to use wind power as its leading source of electricity for an entire year.”
Was the first country to make a contribution to the Adaptation fund.

Sri Lanka

The Clean Development Mechanism to reduce GHGs is imperative.
“The Earth and its vegetation do not belong to the rulers… they are only temporary trustees who have to protect the environment for the benefit of future generations.”
Per capita GHG emissions are “a minimal 0.6 tonnes”.
Is increasing forest cover, expanding renewables, restoring estuaries, salt marshes and mangrove swamps.
Has tripled per capita income in 8 years but kept per capita emissions below 1 tonne.

Swaziland

Wants common but differentiated responsibilty to guide negotiations.
“The negotiations process must not be allowed to hinder progress any further.”

Switzerland

Political will is crucial. Wants binding commitments in Paris.
Wants carbon pricing, and reduced subsidies to fossil fuel industry.
Has a national carbon pricing scheme.
GDP has risen 36 per cent since 1990, as emissions have fallen 8 per cent in the first Kyoto period.
Will cut emissions 20 per cent by 2020.
Is preparing an “ambitious mitigation objective” to submit to the UN in the first quarter of 2015.
Has contributed a further 150 million dollars to the fast start period of the GCF. Is considering a contribution of at least 100 million dollars and will be ready to formally announce that at the GCF pledging conference in November.
Is supporting developing countries with technology advice and to develop post-2020 commitments.
“Facts and fairness require the major emitters especially to act”.

Tajikistan

Over the last 60 years the average temperature in Tajikistan has increased by 1 degree celsius.
Hydropower generates 98 per cent of electricity., but access to electricity is sometimes poor.
Increasing hydropower will allow the country to export electricity to neighbours.

Timor-Leste

Climate change poses a severe threat to future growth and development in the country.
“For our brothers and sisters living in the Pacific islands climate change is threatening to literally wipe them out of existence.”

Trinidad and Tobago

Has a “frontline position” in relation to climate change.
Supports determined action to keep temperature rise below 1.5 degrees.
Supports very ambitious goal of “net-zero global emissions before the end of the century, between 2050 and 2100.”
Encouraging efficiency in the petrochemical sector.
Conducting national energy audit.
Has a plan to move transport to compressed natural gas.

Turkmenistan

Wants to create a regional centre for technology cooperation with other Central Asian states.
Has seen a reduction in carbon intensity of products manufactured in the country.
Has a nation reforestation programme.
As a “major producer” of petrochemicals, wants to establish a new mechanism – “Inter-Regional Energy Dialogue” under the auspices of the UN.
“The Caspian Sea region is rapidly becoming one of the major world centers of hydrocarbon production and transportation. Our common task is to combine objective economic interests and realities of international cooperation in the energy sphere with the need to preserve biodiversity of the Caspian Sea…”
Wants a special UN programme for the Aral sea.
“Fully supports” UN decisions made at Copenhagen, Cancun etc.

Tuvalu

“Tuvalu’s future is in your hands. The time for denial, for hesitation, for pandering to the interests of the fossil fuel industry is over.”
Will have 100 per cent renewable energy sector by 2020.
“We have learnt from the mistakes made in Copenhagen when we were being encouraged to sign on to a meaningless declaration with shallow promises of finance and half-baked mitigation pledges that weren’t worth the paper they were written on.”
There must be special provision for the countries most affected by climate change.
Adaptation funding and technology must be easy to access, without burdensome reporting requirements.
The protocol needs a mechanism for Loss and Damage included, with an effective mechanism for compensation.
Emissions reduction targets must be enshrined in the protocol itself.
“The major emitters must take the lead.”
Urges caution in relation to carbon markets and carbon pricing. “The carbon market is not the cure-all that we are led to believe.”
“The major emitters need to take action within their own country to stop polluting. It’s that simple.”
The agreement must provide new finance, not just rename old finance.
Wants arrangements for early action, before 2020.
“If we save Tuvalu, we will save the world.”

The Vatican (Holy See of)

There is a moral imperative to act on climate, to protect and to value creation for the good of this and future generations.
“The scientific consensus is rather consistentâ?¦ warming of the climate system is unequivocal.”
Warming has “grave consequences for the most vulnerable”.
Inaction carries great risks and socio-economic costs so “prudence must prevail”.
The means to tackle climate change are already available or within our reach.
Market forces alone cannot solve the linked problems of climate, poverty and exclusion.

United Kingdom

Climate change is “a threat to our national security, to global security, to poverty eradication and to economic prosperity.”
Margaret Thatcher was one of the first world leaders to demand action on climate change.
Since then the UK has cut GHG emissions by a quarter.
More than doubled renewable electricity capacity in last four years.
Enough solar to power a million homes.
First green investment bank.
Invested £1bn in CCS and said no to new coal without CCS.
“We are investing in all forms of lower carbon energy including shale gas and nuclear.”
On track to cut emissions 80 per cent by 2050.
Pledging £4bn of climate finance over 5 years.
Wants EU to come to Paris with offer to cut at least 40 per cent by 2030.
“It is completely unrealistic to expect developing countries to forgo the high carbon route to growth that so many Western countries enjoyed, unless we support them to achieve green growth.”

United States

Climate change “will define the contours of this century more dramatically than any other [issue]” – more than terrorism, inequality or disease.
The threat has moved firmly into the present.
Miami now floods at how tide.
“We have to cut carbon pollution.”
The US is the world’s “largest economy and second largest emitter.”
US emissions have fallen more than any other nation’s in the past eight years.
Big nations [like the US and China] have a special responsibility to lead.
We can only succeed if every nation, developed and developing, takes part.
The US will hit its target to reduce emissions by “in the range of” 17 per cent of 2005 levels by 2020 and will announce a new target “early next year”.

Vietnam

If sea level rises 1 metre, 40 per cent of the Mekong delta will be inundated.
We must limit temperature rise to less than 2 degrees.
Equity, common but differentiated responsibilities.
National commitments must take into account historical responsibility.
Calls on developed countries to increase commitment and action.
Vitenam aims to reduce emissions 8-10 per cent compared to 2010, reduce energy consumption per GDP by 1-1.5 per cent per year.
Plans to reduce power sector emissions 10-20 per cent compared to BAU.
Is in the process of drafting iNDCs.

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