The deal is far from done
18 December 2009
Copenhagen, 18 December 2009: in reaction to tonight's declaration by 25 countries at the end of the UN climate talks, WWF CEO David Nussbaum had this response...
"They may think it's all over, but this deal is far from done. After years of negotiations we have reached a declaration of will which currently binds no one and fails to guarantee a safe climate for future generations.
"As it stands, this weak accord will not keep global warming below the dangerous level of 2º. If the gaps between rhetoric and reality are not closed, this deal could cost millions of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars.
"If the EU had only responded with ambition earlier in the process and moved unilaterally to 30%, we could have been in a better position at this point.
"The UK Government showed determination in identifying the scale of international funding necessary, and the emissions cuts required to make any sort of acceptable deal. We look to Brown for continued leadership in coming weeks to salvage a fair, ambitious and binding agreement.
"While today's declaration is deeply disappointing, industrialised countries have been given until February to commit to their emission reduction pledges. It is vital that they take this opportunity to increase ambition, and close the huge loopholes in the current targets – without more ambition, this deal is headed for dangerous levels of warming.
"Governments must also act urgently to set out a clear timetable for when a legally binding agreement will be reached – the world is still awaiting the leadership it needs."
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