Leading developed and developing countries have signed an accord that is backed by a large majority of the world and which for the first time sets out the need for the limit the rise in global temperature to 2 degrees Celsius.

 

The Copenhagen Accord (PDF 182.25KB) which was signed after two weeks of intensive negotiations that followed on two years of work, is an 'unprecedented' commitment for immediate and long-term financing to help countries deal with climate change.

 

It also for the first time commits all countries – both rich and poor – to set out by January 31, 2010 the actions they will take to cut emissions or mitigate climate change by 2020 as part of an ambition to cap the temperature rise at 2 degrees C above – pre-industrial levels.

 

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said that the accord marked the start of a 'new phase in tackling climate change'. 'Today we have made a start but we have a long way to go,' he said

 

'Developed and developing countries have come together to take action and there is an unprecedented commitment to climate finance.'

 

Mr Miliband urged all countries to 'make good on' the commitments on emissions cuts or mitigation actions that they will enter on a register by 31 January.

 

They key elements of the Accord are:

 

• Recognising the scientific view that the increase in global temperature should be below 2 degrees Celsius;
• Agreeing that deep cuts in global emissions were required according to science;
• Annex I Parties committing to implement individually or jointly the quantified economy-wide emissions targets for 2020 by 31 January 2010;
• Non-Annex I implementing mitigation actions, including those to be submitted to the by 31 January 2010;
• Agreeing that mitigation actions would be subject to international measurement, reporting and verification;
• Recognising the need to provide incentives such as REDD-plus to deliver reductions in emission from deforestation and forest degradation;
• Developed countries providing $30bn of immediate short term funding over the next three years to kick-start emission reduction measures and help the poorest countries adapt to the impacts of climate change; and
• Developed countries committing to work to provide long term financing of $100bn a year by 2020.

 

Mr Miliband said: 'These negotiations have shown how hard it is to get agreement on such complex and profound issues. There is further to go including ensuring that we achieve a legally binding outcome for everyone.'

 

A step forward, but still some way to go

 

The Accord is not everything we wanted. It is not legally binding. The task now is to convince those who weren’t ready for a legal treaty and to move to one as quickly as possible. The PM will be leading an international campaign to turn this into a legally binding treaty as soon as possible.

 

However, the Accord is an important step forward. In the very challenging negotiations, the UK decided it was important to bank what’s been achieved and keep up the pressure to move further in the coming months.

 

The UK stands by its domestic commitment to reduce emissions by 34% by 2020 as part of the transition to a low-carbon economy, which will bring huge benefits to the UK.

 

The following countries of bodies signed the accord: Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, EU Presidency, EU Commission, Germany, France, Grenada, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Lesotho, Maldives, Mexico, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, UK, USA and United Nations Secretary General.

 

There was a decision under the Conference of the Parties process to 'take note' of the Accord.  

 

Related links

Copenhagen Accord (PDF 182.25KB)

Copenhagen Accord to kick-start immediate global climate action

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