No movement on key issues in new Paris text - this is crunch time at COP21

In response to the new climate text in Paris today, Oxfam Executive Director Helen Szoke said:

“There is still a long way to go: this is crunch time.  The chance to set new funding targets from when the Paris deal comes into force in 2020 is still very much on the table and needs to stay there if developing countries are to have any hope of more support in the years ahead. Adaptation hangs on a thread but there is recognition of the need for grants and innovative sourcing to help meet climate funding needs.

 “Despite women being most affected by climate change, any reference to gender equality has been dropped. Loss and damage where adaptation is no longer an option in the face of climate change remains in the game.

“The absence of meaningful steps to improve post-2020 emissions reduction targets within the next five years only adds to the urgency. With more than 100 developing countries saying that their survival rests on limiting warming to 1.5 degrees, a 3 degree deal is a dangerous deal.

“All of this indicates that with no movement on key issues the home straight has just got longer. Ministers need to avert their eyes from weekend plans to instead get the best possible deal for poor people.”