In the next two weeks, representatives from about 160 states will prepare for the Climate Change Conference in Bali. According to the decision of the EU Council in March this year, global temperature rise should be limited to a maximum of two degrees compared to pre-industrial levels. In order to meet the two degree target, global emissions have to be halved as compared to 1990 by the middle of this century. The goal is to conclude negotiations on a new agreement which joins up to the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol by 2009.

The publication of the latest report of the United Nations IPCC highlighted once again that swift and resolute action is necessary to protect our climate. Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel said: “Investments in climate protection today protect us against the destruction caused by unchecked climate change. This year, we have to lay important groundwork for a multilateral climate protection agreement for the post-2012 period. Decisive signals for the further development of the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol were sent at the European Council meeting in March.”

The goal of the conference in Bonn is to develop options for the negotiations in Bali. The EU will present its climate and energy policy goals in the discussions on mitigation potential in the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties.

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Press Release German Presidency