Only weeks ahead of the World Climate Conference in Copenhagen, German chancellor Angela Merkel, backed by French president Nicolas Sarkozy, called on fellow leaders to create a path to a climate protection agreement.

As part of a meeting of the European Council in Brussels, last night (November 19), Mrs Merkel and Mr Sarkozy called on the international community to make a clear political commitment in Copenhagen to the ‘2-degree targe’ according to which global warming is to be limited to no more than 2 degrees Celsius by 2050.

“For some time now we have noted with great concern that ambitions of reaching an effective climate protection agreement appear to be dwindling,” said Mrs Merkel.

“But the UN conference in Copenhagen must and could be a success, we started the year in a difficult economic and financial crisis, and we in the G20 have achieved a viable working relationship and agreed to cooperate at international level.

“That would all be worth very little if we failed at the climate conference on one of the biggest challenges humanity is facing.”

However seemingly confirming there’d be no legally binding agreement Mrs Merkel also called for Copenhagen to be followed up by further talks at the ‘end of June 2010 at the latest’ leading to a legal agreement.

The chancellor also promised European countries ‘would do their best’ to support developing countries when it comes to climate protection.

Luke Walsh

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