Bangkok climate talks set to be contentious22 August 2012
Tempers are likely to rise as rich countries continue to try and dodge their responsibilities. Here's why:
Equity
Rich countries led by the United States have been trying to weaken the UN Climate Convention. It obliges them to act first and help poorer countries.
They attempted this recently at Rio+20 but came under intense pressure from global campaigners.
In Durban countries agreed to create a new Global treaty in 2015 to begin in 2020. Rich countries are hoping to rewrite the rules for this treaty. Poorer countries are asking them to keep their promises.
Ambition
A key issue will be how much rich countries are willing to reduce their carbon emissions.
Current pledges by rich countries are weak and full of loopholes. Scientists are telling us that climate change is already getting worse and happening faster than first thought.
Without urgent action, we could end up with 5 degrees of warming. Poorer countries are already facing the daily impacts of climate crisis and don't want to wait until 2020 to act.
Friends of the Earth will be in Bangkok campaigning for:
- These issues to be resolved before the Climate talks in Doha later this year
- The world to shift towards a fairer and low carbon economy
- Sustainable development for everyone.
Stay up to date with these talks at our climate hub.
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