UN climate talks flesh out landmark Paris pact

(EurActiv, 27 May 2016) Climate diplomats wrapped up technical talks Thursday (26 May) saying they were on the right track but still far from delivering on the promise of the historic pact forged in December.

Negotiators from 196 countries worked along three parallel tracks to put flesh on the bone of the Paris Agreement, the fruit of two decades of often contentious wrangling between wealthy and developing nations.

The accord ― which could enter into force later this year, far sooner than expected ― sets ambitious goals for capping global warming and funnelling trillions of dollars to poor countries facing an onslaught of climate damage.

The 10-day session in the German city of Bonn focused mainly on elaborating a “rule book” for implementation, and laying the groundwork for a high-level meeting in November in Marrakesh, Morocco.

“It has been a very constructive session,” said Elina Bardram, top negotiator for the European Union, expressing a view echoed by other diplomats and observers.

“We are moving well beyond the disagreements that characterised the negotiations for so many years.”

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EurActiv, 27 May 2016: UN climate talks flesh out landmark Paris pact