delivered by Julian Velez on behalf of Youth NGOs (YOUNGO) at the CMP (Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties of the Kyoto Protocol) opening plenary, 26th November
Thank you Chair,
The first commitment period is over and there is nothing but cowardice surrounding the second commitment period. This is a matter of listening to science and preserving planetary health, not narrow self- interest. Your inaction risks the lives of millions of people and their rights to a healthy environment, water, and arable land.
You have one task: to stabilize greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous interference with the climate system.
We've seen extreme weather events that have cast millions deeper into poverty. The horn of Africa is on its fifth consecutive year of drought. Flooding in the Philippines could cost them 24% of their GDP. Hurricane Sandy devastated the West Atlantic and the catastrophic impacts will plague Haiti and Cuba for years.
We are in a state of planetary emergency. We refuse to accept that pledge and review is the solution. We need, clear and truly ambitious targets.
Parties that are unwilling to commit to a second commitment must not be allowed to enjoy the benefits of the flexibility mechanisms.
A CMP decision would be the weakest legal option. We have no need for vapid political posturing, we demand an amendment to Annex B with provisional application beginning this year to ensure that there is no gap.
Respect that the convention and KP are rooted in the principle of CBDR and that equity means addressing the climate debt that the developed world owes to the environment, to future generations, and to life on this earth. Developed countries debt cannot be forgotten or erased; their actions are causing millions of people to suffer in developed, developing and vulnerable countries. Climate change is being felt and in some cases is beyond the reach of adaptation. The situation is dire and the time to act is now, not in 2020, this work should be a national priority for all parties. The work and trust of the whole climate regime rests on the ambition in a second commitment period. Your climate legacy will be defined by your actions in the next few years, not by your words. Will you be remembered for justice, ambition, and equity or climate induced genocide?