Lima: Ed Davey calls for immediate carbon cuts

After his first day in Lima for COP 20, the Energy and Climate Change Secretary said ambitious pledges were needed to created momentum for a deal at Paris 2015.

Davey said: “At home and abroad the UK has led the way – more than doubling renewable energy since 2010 and securing an ambitious target to reduce EU emissions by 2030.

“The UK and many others have made significant finance pledges to the Green Climate Fund – it’s now time for others to step up to the plate.

“It is in the interests of everyone that we make progress to a deal in Paris, and right others play their part to keep up momentum to an ambitious deal next year.”

21st century problems

The EU has committed to a 2030 deadline to reduce carbon emissions by at least 40%, while China has pledged to cap its emissions output by 2030, and the US plans to cut emissions to 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025.

However many smaller nations are less willing to risk economic growth to cut emissions.

Climate talks tougher than expected. Momentum from EU 2030 deal but too many defending old 1992 positions. Need to reflect realities of 2014

— Edward Davey (@EdwardDaveyMP) December 10, 2014

As well taking part in the negotiations towards an outcome in Lima, Davey will co-chair the Climate Finance Ministerial Dialogue.

The goal of the Dialogue is to establish the financial framework of next year’s deal, particularly with regard to the contribution of rich countries compared with developing nations.

Rudderless

However, Davey’s claims that the UK is leading by example are undermined slightly by the absence of UK Climate Change Minister Amber Rudd, who was reportedly ordered to stay in the UK by the Conservative Chief Whip for a vote in the Commons.

Keep up with all of the goings-on at COP 20, with edie’s quick round-up, updated daily.

Watching @DECCgovuk Ed Davey address #COP20 on climate financing @ClimateCLG @hmtreasury pic.twitter.com/kO3OHPObGh

— Thomas Lingard (@thomaslingard) December 9, 2014

Brad Allen