Civil society reflections on the negotiations: assessing leadership of the EU and the action required by negotiators

09 December 2011

[Durban, South Africa – December 8, 2011] - Today in Durban, Climate Action Network (CAN) – Europe hosted a media briefing, webcast live, outlining civil society expectations for EU leadership as we near the end of the UN climate talks in Durban. Topics covered include the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol, a time frame and mandate for a legally binding and comprehensive agreement, forging partnerships with other blocs and climate finance.

·        Wendel Trio, Director of CAN Europe, said, "By building a much stronger coalition of progressive countries in Durban, including the African Union and AOSIS, the EU can push other countries toward a result. Any outcome would be imperfect, but would at least move us forward on climate action."

·        Liz Gallagher of E3G, said, "Leaving Durban without a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol and a mandate would be a disaster. Brinkmanship is not the same as leadership. The process risks unraveling if we don’t get  a credible outcome."

·        Karen Andreassen of Aprodev, said, "Those who've done the least to cause this crisis are bearing the worst effects."

The complete webcast can be viewed on the UNFCCC website.

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Climate Action Network Europe (CAN-E) is recognised as Europe's leading network working on climate and energy issues. With 152 member organisations in 25 European countries, CAN-E works to prevent dangerous climate change and promote sustainable energy and environment policy in Europe.  CAN-E is the European node of CAN International.