Federation of Young European Greens

While negociators at the UN Conference on Climate change continue their discussions in Durban, Young Greens are determined to make their voices heard, even from the other side of the world.

On Saturday afternoon a "Global Day of Action" demonstration took place in Brussels, while others marched in different cities around the world. Around 3000 individuals joined the demonstration, and Young European Greens were represented by activists from all over Europe, who came to participate in the COP 17 workshop organised by the Federation of Young European Greens (FYEG).

Young Greens have a number of concrete ideas and solutions for how to turn the climate crisis around. Their pragmatic demands include the following:

Given the actual critical situation, the UNFCCC must make up for lost time in international climate negotiations and set ambitious but binding targets for the reduction of global emissions in the next decades. This is essential in order to ensure climate change is maintained within levels not exceeding a temperature rise of 1.5°C - thereby avoiding cataclysmic consequences for the environment.

Concrete decisions are also required regarding financing for climate action in developing countries. An international burden-sharing mechanism, based on a nation's respective capabilities and responsibilities needs to be implemented.

The EU must undetake its responsability for ensuring that an agreement is reached on a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol. The EU must also make a strong stand to ensure that the legally binding commitments established under the UNFCCC are applied once agreed.

The inaction of some must not become a justification for EU countries to avoid taking action. To break the cycle of consecutive failed negociations where countries fail to commit to targets and instead point the finger at others, we expect European countries to lead by example.

We deserve better than more failed negotiations! Brave politicians need to break the cycle of blaming and excuses, and start a cycle of genuine commitments!