Zuma: Climate finance must be scaled up

Image source: www.cop21paris.org

Addressing the Opening Session of the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France, Zuma said climate finance is not aid or official development assistance but a legal obligation.

"It is a legal obligation to support all developing countries under the UN Convention. Should the developed nations fail to play their part, an impression will be created that the climate change crisis was caused by a few privileged nations who are not sympathetic about its impact on the majority," said the president.

He urged developed countries, given their historical responsibility, to take the lead and honour their existing commitments.

South Africa has released its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) which is in accordance with national circumstances and priorities. These include poverty eradication, job creation, energy security and environmental protection.

Zuma said the INDCs of the members of the Group of 77 plus China, chaired by South Africa, also reflect the overriding priorities of poverty eradication and the need for sustainable development.

"We must succeed for the sake of future generations," said Zuma.

He said COP21 is of immense importance to South Africa as it builds on the historic and bold decisions that were taken at COP17 in Durban in 2011.

"Our mandate from Durban includes three critical areas: closing the ambition gap in the pre-2020 period, urgent entry into force of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol, and the adoption of a new agreement for the post-2020 period.

"Paris must deliver a legally binding agreement, which is based on equity and differentiation, and which will enable ambitious implementation actions through the provision of finance, technology and capacity-building support from developed countries," said Zuma.

Since developing countries already experience climate change impacts, Zuma said the Paris agreement cannot focus only on mitigation.

"A Global Goal for Adaptation must be part of the agreement. Solidarity with developing countries that suffer loss and damage also needs to be reflected in the agreement," said the president.

Meanwhile, he reiterated South Africa's deepest condolences to the government and people of France following the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.

"Our thoughts are also with all other nations that have faced tragic terror attacks. Global unity and action against terrorism within the ambit of the United Nations is imperative and urgent," said the president.