COP15 Latest - Despondency creeping into Copenhagen talks after walkout

Posted on December 15, 2009 at 06:07 PM

Bend the trend 1

We are currently sitting down with the EU Environment Commissioner, Stavros Dimas and S&D Group colleague Jo Leinen (the Chair of my Committee, the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee) where we are being updated on the EU’s up-to-the-minute negotiating position.

I am sorry to report that there is an air of despondency creeping in at the COP 15 after yesterday’s walk-out. Trust and confidence has taken a real knock but it is crucial that the talks get back on track. Momentum has to be restored.

Another briefing from the European Climate Foundation earlier this afternoon stressed the importance of Europe moving to a 30% (or indeed preferably a 40%) target in emissions reductions and devising a system that would include an inbuilt review mechanism for any agreement that is reached here in Copenhagen.

We really can’t allow the opportunity that Copenhagen has offered the world to slip from our hands at this late stage.

I went on a 'sustainable energy’ trip to Malmo this morning, just a short hop from Copenhagen. It’s a fascinating place where they really ‘walk the walk’ when it comes to green issues.

In fact, by 2020, the city of Malmö will be climate neutral and by 2030 the whole municipality will run on 100% renewable energy. Governments – both national and local – can learn a lot from the can-do attitude in this Swedish city.

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