David Miliband

Climate Finance

There are now less than 40 days to go before Copenhagen. The four degree map my brother Ed and I launched last week underlines the urgent need for a deal to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees.

So far, the EU has done its bit, showing commendable leadership in driving progress towards such a deal.  The 20-20-20 deal, the conditional offer to shift to 30% emissions reduction targets, and diplomatic initiatives to encourage global action, have all contributed. And we have shown -reflecting the argument that I made in my speech on Europe at IISS on Monday - that by working through the EU, Britain can have a bigger impact than acting alone. The UK can act to address its own emissions, but as part of the EU, we can ensure others reduce theirs too.  Britain’s percentage of global carbon emissions is 2%; the EU’s is 14%.

But the deal we need is by no means guaranteed. Today, the Prime Minister and I are meeting European leaders at the October European Council to iron out the EU’s position.  Climate finance - the framework and funding to encourage developing countries to join a global deal - will be central to discussions.  

An ambitious climate finance offer from the EU is what we need to reach a two degree deal, and the October European Council is the opportunity for the EU to demonstrate the role it can play as a global actor.

Now, more than ever, the EU needs to come together.

Posted at 09:56 30 October 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[2]