African nations have today (November 3) boycotted discussions in the Kyoto Protocol track of the UNFCCC negotiations, which continue in Barcelona this week.

They have explained that the move is intended to motivate greater emissions reductions from developed countries. A member of the Democratic Republic of Congo delegation, Kabeya Tshikuku told Reuters 'Africa believes that the other groups are not taking talks seriously enough, not urgently enough'.

The boycotted meetings of the Kyoto Protocol track will affect discussions on flexibility mechanisms and land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF); potential consequences; and legal matters under the Kyoto Protocol.

The UK recognises and sympathises with the concerns that the African Group has expressed on the level of ambition and pace of the climate change negotiations. The UK is keen to secure a high ambition outcome in Copenhagen and given the short time we have until that meeting believe that blocking groups will not facilitate this outcome.  

We must continue to work on all the elements necessary to secure a deal.

Vulnerable countries argue they will suffer the most from climate change, and yet have contributed least to its causes. Recent high-profile efforts to highlight the climate impacts face by vulnerables include the recent underwater cabinet meeting in the Maldives, demonstrating effects of sea-level rise and the just-announced Nepalese cabinet meeting on Mt Everest, designed to highlight impacts of receding glaciers.

The five-day meeting in Barcelona is the last official session of negotiations over the draft text that will be put before ministers at the UN climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December. The UK remains fully committed to an ambitious, global, comprehensive deal that puts the world on the path to avoid dangerous climate change.

Related links

Africa boycott UN climate talks, demands CO2 cuts, Reuters. November 3