The African group of states flexed its negotiating muscle at climate change talks in Barcelona this week by staging a day-long boycott of the negotiations.
Opinion about the move was divided this week, with some commentators believing that it undermined the prospects of a comprehensive climate treaty in Copenhagen next month. Others argued that it might soften up developed countries, which have shied away from firm emissions targets.
“This had been a long time coming,” an African delegate said. “But it was wonderful that we could show solidarity. Sometimes the richer nations think we simply fill the quotas. Africans can be powerful if we stick together.” Other developing nations, including China and India, aligned themselves with Africa.
South African lead negotiator Alf Wills said in Barcelona that Africa wanted negotiations to move to the real issues — targets for developed countries. He accused the developed world of using “delaying tactics”.
The group has called on countries including the United States, Japan, the European Union, Australia and Canada to cut their emissions by at least 40% from 1990 levels by 2020.
This will limit global warming to about 2C, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
The EU has offered to cut its emissions by 20% by 2020, but will commit to 30% if other countries do so. Japan’s offer is 25%.
Although Norway has gone the furthest, offering a 40% commitment, other developed countries hardly reach 20%. The US wants to take 2005 as the starting point for reductions, rather than 1990.