COP21 agrees on climate deal

Innocent Ruwende Senior Reporter
Negotiators at the Conference of Parties 21 in Paris, France have agreed on a deal to slow down climate change, but African countries are not happy because developed countries have refused to accept liability or compensation resulting in lack of clarity on financing for loss and damage, Climate Change Department director Mr Washington Zhakata has said.

Mr Zhakata who was the country’s lead negotiator said the agreement was concluded on Saturday evening and the document was generally accepted by all countries.

“There were concerns though which have been expressed by the Africa group especially on the silent reference to Africa in the document although the least developed countries and small island developing states have featured prominently in the agreement.

“Africa preferred to be mentioned or inserted particularly in the Finance Article and Vulnerability. The developed countries have refused to accept liability or compensation thus resulting in lack of clarity on financing for loss and damage,” he said.

Mr Zhakata said the deal which is now awaiting ratification provides a foundation for further work on operationalisation of the agreement in order to implement climate change interventions world over.

According to Article 9 of the agreement, developed country parties shall provide financial resources to assist developing country parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation in continuation of their existing obligations under the convention.

It encourages other parties to provide or continue to provide such support voluntarily.

“As part of a global effort, developed country parties should continue to take the lead in mobilising climate finance from a wide variety of sources, instruments and channels, noting the significant role of public funds.

“Assisting developing country parties in identifying effective adaptation practices, adaptation needs, priorities, support provided and received for adaptation actions and efforts and challenges and gaps, in a manner consistent with encouraging good practices,” read part of the agreement.

The parties recognised that adaptation is a global challenge and that it is a key component of and makes a contribution to the long-term global response to climate change to protect people from climate change effects.

The agreement shall be open for signature and subject to ratification, acceptance or approval by states and regional economic integration organisations which are parties to the Convention from April 22 next year to April, 21, 2017 at the United Nations in New York, United States.