COP21: MEP Kelly says acceptable climate deal can be reached by week’s end

An acceptable global climate change deal can be reached in Paris before the week’s end, according to Seán Kelly MEP – the only Irish MEP participating in the historic climate talks. Speaking from COP21 in Paris today (Thursday), the Ireland South MEP called on parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to conclude the COP21 Paris Climate Conference in the same manner as it began – with ambition.

Earlier this week a 29-page updated draft text presented three options for an overall target that countries must now seek to agree on before the end of the week. Mr. Kelly has called on colleagues to agree on the compromise option that has been put forward.

The three options proposed for an overall target which must be agreed on are:
(1) to keep global average temperature increases to below 2 degrees Celsius;
(2) to keep global average temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius;
(3) or to keep global average tem

perature increases well below 2 degrees Celsius while making efforts towards a lower 1.5 degrees Celsius target.

“We have spoken all week about ambition, we have heard world leaders give rousing speeches about this great global challenge that we face. If we are to match this ambition on paper, and give a strong signal to investors while being realistic in our approach, I believe the third option should be the one we finally agree on.

“I call on my fellow participants to be courageous in their ambition and put us on a sustainable path towards a low carbon economy,” said Mr Kelly, a member of the European Parliament’s COP21 negotiating team.

Climate talks have been progressing steadily in Paris over the past two weeks, however, there are a number of difficult points that parties will need to agree on if an effective agreement is to be put in place. One of these is the differentiation between developed and developing countries. Mr. Kelly, leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, welcomed discussions on how richer countries can help poorer ones adapt to Climate Change and meet mitigation targets.

“It is encouraging to see constructive discussion taking place on this notoriously tricky issue. In 2009, wealthy countries pledged to financially support developing countries in tackling Climate Change. These countries should certainly agree to the provision of strong financial assistance in this regard and the next few days will be crucial in determining what this assistance looks like.

“I believe that a common ground will be reached and a deal that is acceptable to all will be finalised before the week is out – we’re nearly there”, he added.