The 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place in Durban, South Africa, from November 28 to December 11, 2011. This conference was a significant milestone in international climate negotiations, as it resulted in the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, which laid the groundwork for a new, comprehensive global climate agreement. The Durban Platform marked a crucial shift in climate diplomacy by setting the stage for the Paris Agreement, which was later adopted in 2015. This article explores the historical context, key decisions, and impact of the Durban Platform on global climate governance.
Background: Pre-COP17 Climate Negotiations
Prior to COP17, international climate agreements were primarily shaped by the Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997. The Kyoto Protocol established legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries but excluded developing nations, including major emitters like China and India, from binding commitments. The United States, citing concerns over economic competitiveness and fairness, refused to ratify the treaty. Self Publishing Tool Box Resell Rights
By the late 2000s, it became evident that the Kyoto Protocol alone was insufficient to address global climate challenges. The 2009 COP15 in Copenhagen attempted to create a new climate framework but ended in disappointment, with only a non-binding Copenhagen Accord being produced. The 2010 COP16 in Cancun managed to establish the Green Climate Fund and reaffirmed the goal of limiting global warming to below 2°C, but it failed to create a legally binding roadmap for emissions reduction.
Key Outcomes of the Durban Conference
At COP17 in Durban, negotiators faced a critical task: to find a way forward in global climate policy beyond the Kyoto Protocol. The conference resulted in several major outcomes, including:
1. The Durban Platform for Enhanced Action
The most significant achievement of COP17 was the adoption of the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP). This agreement set in motion negotiations for a new, legally binding climate treaty that would apply to all countries, not just developed nations. The platform mandated the creation of a new agreement by 2015, to be implemented by 2020. This marked a departure from the division between developed and developing nations that had previously characterized climate negotiations.
2. Extension of the Kyoto Protocol
While the Kyoto Protocol was set to expire in 2012, COP17 led to an agreement to extend it into a second commitment period (2013-2020). However, major emitters such as Canada, Japan, and Russia opted out of this extension, further highlighting the need for a more inclusive global climate agreement.
3. Green Climate Fund (GCF) Operationalization
COP17 also finalized key aspects of the Green Climate Fund, which aimed to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change. However, questions remained over how the fund would be financed and managed.
The Durban Mandate: A New Path for Global Climate Action
The Durban Mandate required negotiators to develop a new legally binding agreement under the UNFCCC, applicable to all nations. This was a significant shift from previous agreements, which primarily imposed obligations on developed countries. The mandate acknowledged the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC) while emphasizing that all countries needed to contribute to global efforts against climate change.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite its achievements, the Durban Platform faced several challenges and criticisms:
- Delayed Action: Some environmental groups and developing nations criticized the agreement for postponing meaningful action until 2020, arguing that immediate emissions reductions were necessary to prevent catastrophic climate impacts.
- Lack of Binding Commitments: While the Durban Platform established a framework for future negotiations, it did not set specific emission reduction targets, leaving much to be determined in subsequent negotiations.
- Uncertainty Over Climate Finance: While the Green Climate Fund was operationalized, questions remained about whether developed countries would fulfill their financial commitments, creating uncertainty for developing nations.
- Kyoto Protocol Limitations: The second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol lacked participation from major economies, reducing its overall effectiveness in curbing global emissions.
Legacy and Impact
Despite these challenges, the Durban Platform played a crucial role in shaping the future of global climate governance. Its most significant impact was paving the way for the Paris Agreement (2015), which became the first universal, legally binding climate accord.
- Paris Agreement Link: The Durban Platform’s commitment to a new treaty culminated in the adoption of the Paris Agreement at COP21. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement included commitments from both developed and developing countries, ensuring broader participation.
- Shift in Climate Negotiations: The Durban Mandate helped shift international climate negotiations from a rigid “developed vs. developing” framework to a more inclusive approach, recognizing the evolving nature of global emissions and economic development.
- Long-Term Climate Goals: The Durban Platform reinforced the need for long-term climate goals, such as limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
Conclusion
The 2011 Durban Platform for Enhanced Action was a pivotal moment in international climate diplomacy. By establishing a roadmap for a legally binding global agreement, it addressed the shortcomings of the Kyoto Protocol and set the stage for the Paris Agreement. While it faced criticism for its slow timeline and lack of immediate binding commitments, its long-term impact on global climate policy cannot be overstated. The legacy of the Durban Platform continues to influence climate negotiations today, emphasizing the importance of collective action in tackling the urgent challenge of climate change.
