New commitments on climate finance at Copenhagen have broken the negotiating deadlock and opened the way for real negotiations, and Australia must now step up and commit to a 25 per cent emissions reduction target.
"Australia must make the last day of climate change talks one of ambition and action," said WWF-Australia’s Climate Change Policy Manager Kellie Caught.
"We are seeing progress in key areas like financing and mitigation targets but Australia must make one last big push if an effective deal is going to be delivered."
The announcement by US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton that the United States would contribute to US$100 billion in finance for developing countries has breathed new life into the Copenhagen climate negotiations. Australia must now step up, commit to contributing its fair share and push the ambition higher.
WWF has estimated that developing countries will need US$160 billion of new public funded assistance per year between 2013 and 2017. If Australia committed to its fair share, which is US$3.5 billion, it could encourage other countries to commit more funding.
"If the renewed finance discussion also leads to willingness for more ambition on emissions reductions targets, there could still be a Copenhagen climate deal with some substance," Ms Caught said.
Current emission reduction offers on the table in Copenhagen would result in global temperatures rising on average by 3C, which could result in massive and unacceptable species loss.
The European Union is in talks to raise its emissions reduction target from 20 per cent to 30 per cent, a move that could trigger a chain reaction of other countries boosting their targets.
"While the Australian delegation, including Prime Minister Rudd, has been working hard behind the scenes, Australia now needs to step up one more level and inject some ambition into their action in order to be part of the progress being made," said Ms Caught.
"The best way to do this is by raising Australia’s emissions reduction target to the top of its range. Anything less than 25 per cent will not be enough.
"It is not too late to seal a deal that gives the world a climate-safe future and renewed ambition from Australia could pave the way."
More information
Jonathon Larkin, WWF Media Officer, WWF-Australia,
Mobile: 0410 221 410
Email: [email protected]