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| Paris climate talks: governments adopt historic deal – as it happened | Paris climate talks: governments adopt historic deal – as it happened |
| (21 days later) | |
| 8.32pm GMT | |
| 20:32 | |
| I’m calling it a night for live coverage here in Paris, where 195 governments have agreed the world’s first universal climate deal. It’s been hailed as historic, transformative, momentous. | I’m calling it a night for live coverage here in Paris, where 195 governments have agreed the world’s first universal climate deal. It’s been hailed as historic, transformative, momentous. |
| “Today we celebrate, tomorrow we have to act,” says the EU climate chief, Miguel Arias Cañete. | “Today we celebrate, tomorrow we have to act,” says the EU climate chief, Miguel Arias Cañete. |
| Please follow our dedicated Paris climate talks page for all our latest news, analysis and commentary on the deal. | Please follow our dedicated Paris climate talks page for all our latest news, analysis and commentary on the deal. |
| 8.14pm GMT | |
| 20:14 | |
| EU climate chief: deal a success for ‘high ambition coalition’ | EU climate chief: deal a success for ‘high ambition coalition’ |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| Miguel Arias Canete, the EU’s climate commissioner, said: “This is a success for the high ambition coalition”, referring to a group of more than 100 developed and developing nations pulled together by the EU and the leaders of some of the small island states, and those most vulnerable to climate change. | Miguel Arias Canete, the EU’s climate commissioner, said: “This is a success for the high ambition coalition”, referring to a group of more than 100 developed and developing nations pulled together by the EU and the leaders of some of the small island states, and those most vulnerable to climate change. |
| “This was the last chance [for the UN process],” he added, “and we have taken it.”He said that, with the agreement in place, the most important work now needed to be done. “Now it is about implementation. We need to have the policies. The EU has policies, and everyone needs to have policies [to put the agreement into practice].” | “This was the last chance [for the UN process],” he added, “and we have taken it.”He said that, with the agreement in place, the most important work now needed to be done. “Now it is about implementation. We need to have the policies. The EU has policies, and everyone needs to have policies [to put the agreement into practice].” |
| Updated | |
| at 8.52pm GMT | |
| 8.05pm GMT | |
| 20:05 | |
| Suzanne Goldenberg | Suzanne Goldenberg |
| I just caught Izabella Teixeira, Brazil’s environment minister, leaving the meeting. After such a long slog, she was unabashedly emotional, welling up in tears when she talked about getting the deal across the finish line. | I just caught Izabella Teixeira, Brazil’s environment minister, leaving the meeting. After such a long slog, she was unabashedly emotional, welling up in tears when she talked about getting the deal across the finish line. |
| “I think it’s really, really an historic moment,” she said. “Finally we are moving to actions and not just talking problems. This is a decision based on solutions … We are not only discussing the past. We are looking to the future. What we have today is an historic moment, in a friendly atmosphere, and I feel a new confidence in the political world’s ability to deal with climate change.” | “I think it’s really, really an historic moment,” she said. “Finally we are moving to actions and not just talking problems. This is a decision based on solutions … We are not only discussing the past. We are looking to the future. What we have today is an historic moment, in a friendly atmosphere, and I feel a new confidence in the political world’s ability to deal with climate change.” |
| In Teiexeira’s view, the structure of the deal with its regular five-year reviews, will encourage global co-operation to find technological solutions to cut emissions and protect poor countries from climate change. | In Teiexeira’s view, the structure of the deal with its regular five-year reviews, will encourage global co-operation to find technological solutions to cut emissions and protect poor countries from climate change. |
| She said she was optimistic improved technology would help countries deliver on the ambitious goals in the agreement. | She said she was optimistic improved technology would help countries deliver on the ambitious goals in the agreement. |
| She also hoped that the agreement would encourage more funding for scientific research in Brazil and at the global. | She also hoped that the agreement would encourage more funding for scientific research in Brazil and at the global. |
| But the most important shift for her was the prospect of changing the conversation around climate change from describing impacts and challenges to moving towards testing solutions. | But the most important shift for her was the prospect of changing the conversation around climate change from describing impacts and challenges to moving towards testing solutions. |
| “I am really happy. This is so transformative. This is so important for our national development,” she said. | “I am really happy. This is so transformative. This is so important for our national development,” she said. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.52pm GMT | |
| 7.58pm GMT | |
| 19:58 | |
| Suzanne Goldenberg | Suzanne Goldenberg |
| This is also a personal triumph for Ban Ki-moon, who has said publicly he sees a climate change agreement as the main goal of his term at the United Nations. | This is also a personal triumph for Ban Ki-moon, who has said publicly he sees a climate change agreement as the main goal of his term at the United Nations. |
| He was visibly emotional as he described his personal investment in reaching a deal, saying: | He was visibly emotional as he described his personal investment in reaching a deal, saying: |
| Over the past nine years I have spoken repeatedly with every one of the leaders...I have travelled the climate front lines from Arctic to Antarctica from Sahel to the Aral Sea. | Over the past nine years I have spoken repeatedly with every one of the leaders...I have travelled the climate front lines from Arctic to Antarctica from Sahel to the Aral Sea. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.53pm GMT | |
| 7.57pm GMT | |
| 19:57 | |
| Australia: momentous and historic occasion will help us do more | Australia: momentous and historic occasion will help us do more |
| Lenore Taylor | Lenore Taylor |
| Australia’s foreign minister, Julie Bishop, said the agreement involving all nations and trading competitors could give Australia “comfort” to take tougher action to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. | Australia’s foreign minister, Julie Bishop, said the agreement involving all nations and trading competitors could give Australia “comfort” to take tougher action to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. |
| Bishop, who led Australia’s negotiating team, said it was a “historic” and “momentous” occasion because the whole world had agreed to act on climate change – something that could also allow Australia to do more. | Bishop, who led Australia’s negotiating team, said it was a “historic” and “momentous” occasion because the whole world had agreed to act on climate change – something that could also allow Australia to do more. |
| “It gives us comfort that we know what the major economies are doing, our major trading partners are doing, our trading competitors are doing,” she said. | “It gives us comfort that we know what the major economies are doing, our major trading partners are doing, our trading competitors are doing,” she said. |
| “It certainly means there is flexibility for us to do more, and the spirit of the agreement is to encourage countries to be ambitious, to aim higher and to take into account their circumstances … | “It certainly means there is flexibility for us to do more, and the spirit of the agreement is to encourage countries to be ambitious, to aim higher and to take into account their circumstances … |
| “We are having a review of our policies in 2017 and we will consider what more needs to be done at that time … this will give us comfort and confidence that we are working in collaboration with almost 200 other countries, including the major emitters the US and China.” | “We are having a review of our policies in 2017 and we will consider what more needs to be done at that time … this will give us comfort and confidence that we are working in collaboration with almost 200 other countries, including the major emitters the US and China.” |
| Australia’s reduction target has been branded as “inadequate” by Climate Tracker. The government has said it will review its target and policies in 2017. | Australia’s reduction target has been branded as “inadequate” by Climate Tracker. The government has said it will review its target and policies in 2017. |
| Bishop was the second minister to address the conference after the jubilant scenes after agreement had been adopted, speaking on behalf of the so-called umbrella group of developed nations. | Bishop was the second minister to address the conference after the jubilant scenes after agreement had been adopted, speaking on behalf of the so-called umbrella group of developed nations. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.54pm GMT | |
| 7.33pm GMT | |
| 19:33 | |
| Suzanne Goldenberg | Suzanne Goldenberg |
| As the deal was passed Barack Obama was on the golf course playing a few rounds with the World Bank president, Jim Yong Kim, who has also pushed for action on climate change. | As the deal was passed Barack Obama was on the golf course playing a few rounds with the World Bank president, Jim Yong Kim, who has also pushed for action on climate change. |
| But the White House has weighed in on the climate agreement now, saying: | But the White House has weighed in on the climate agreement now, saying: |
| This new global framework lays the foundation for countries to work together to put the world on a path to keeping global temperature rise well below 2C and sets an ambitious vision to go even farther than that. This agreement sends a strong signal to the private sector that the global economy is moving towards clean energy, and that through innovation and ingenuity, we can achieve our climate objectives while creating new jobs, raising standards of living and lifting millions out of poverty. | This new global framework lays the foundation for countries to work together to put the world on a path to keeping global temperature rise well below 2C and sets an ambitious vision to go even farther than that. This agreement sends a strong signal to the private sector that the global economy is moving towards clean energy, and that through innovation and ingenuity, we can achieve our climate objectives while creating new jobs, raising standards of living and lifting millions out of poverty. |
| The Paris agreement is also the culmination of a broader effort by nations, businesses, cities, and citizens to reorient the global economy to a path of low-carbon growth – progress that will accelerate as a result of the agreement’s provisions on mitigation ambition, transparency, and climate finance. | The Paris agreement is also the culmination of a broader effort by nations, businesses, cities, and citizens to reorient the global economy to a path of low-carbon growth – progress that will accelerate as a result of the agreement’s provisions on mitigation ambition, transparency, and climate finance. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.55pm GMT | |
| 7.29pm GMT | |
| 19:29 | |
| John Kerry: deal is a victory for the planet | John Kerry: deal is a victory for the planet |
| Laurent has done a superb job, Kerry says. | Laurent has done a superb job, Kerry says. |
| This is a tremendous victory for all our citizens, he says. “It’s a victory for all of the planet and future generations.” | This is a tremendous victory for all our citizens, he says. “It’s a victory for all of the planet and future generations.” |
| Extraordinarily we are 196 delegations, 186 plans (it’s actually up to 187 now) – that is a remarkable global commitment, he says. | Extraordinarily we are 196 delegations, 186 plans (it’s actually up to 187 now) – that is a remarkable global commitment, he says. |
| If fully implemented it will help us move to a global, clean economy, says Kerry, adding the deal will, hopefully, prevent the worst effects of climate change from happening. | If fully implemented it will help us move to a global, clean economy, says Kerry, adding the deal will, hopefully, prevent the worst effects of climate change from happening. |
| He talks of the importance the agreement sends to businesses. Kerry thanks France for restoring the global community’s faith that we can accomplish things multilaterally. | He talks of the importance the agreement sends to businesses. Kerry thanks France for restoring the global community’s faith that we can accomplish things multilaterally. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.57pm GMT | |
| 7.20pm GMT | |
| 19:20 | |
| China: “It is true that the agreement is not perfect, and there are some areas in need of improvement. However, this does not prevent us from taking a historic march forwards. | China: “It is true that the agreement is not perfect, and there are some areas in need of improvement. However, this does not prevent us from taking a historic march forwards. |
| “The Pairs climate conference is a critical point in global efforts against climate change. Its success is critical for the global future in response to climate change.” | “The Pairs climate conference is a critical point in global efforts against climate change. Its success is critical for the global future in response to climate change.” |
| The agreement is fair and just, comprehensive and blaanced, highly ambitious, enduring and effective, China says. It sends a strong and positive signal the world is moving to a low carbon economy. | The agreement is fair and just, comprehensive and blaanced, highly ambitious, enduring and effective, China says. It sends a strong and positive signal the world is moving to a low carbon economy. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.58pm GMT | |
| 7.18pm GMT | |
| 19:18 | |
| Cameron: Paris climate deal special because every country has to play a part | Cameron: Paris climate deal special because every country has to play a part |
| UK prime minister, David Cameron, has welcomed the deal in a statement: | UK prime minister, David Cameron, has welcomed the deal in a statement: |
| Today is an important day. The talks at the COP21 conference in Paris have culminated in a global deal, with every country in the world now signed up to play its part in halting climate change. In other words, this generation has taken vital steps to ensure that our children and grandchildren will see that we did our duty in securing the future of our planet. | Today is an important day. The talks at the COP21 conference in Paris have culminated in a global deal, with every country in the world now signed up to play its part in halting climate change. In other words, this generation has taken vital steps to ensure that our children and grandchildren will see that we did our duty in securing the future of our planet. |
| In my speech on the opening day of the conference, I set out the things I believed were needed to make this a good deal. I said it would have to ensure the world’s temperature would not rise more than 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels. In fact, the deal pledges to keep global warming “well below” that figure – just as Britain had been calling for. I said it would have to be legally binding – and it will be. I said it would have to come with regular reviews; help for the poorest in the world; and a transfer of technology from the richest to the poorest nations. It does all those things. | In my speech on the opening day of the conference, I set out the things I believed were needed to make this a good deal. I said it would have to ensure the world’s temperature would not rise more than 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels. In fact, the deal pledges to keep global warming “well below” that figure – just as Britain had been calling for. I said it would have to be legally binding – and it will be. I said it would have to come with regular reviews; help for the poorest in the world; and a transfer of technology from the richest to the poorest nations. It does all those things. |
| What is so special about this deal is that it puts the onus on every country to play its part. | What is so special about this deal is that it puts the onus on every country to play its part. |
| 7.11pm GMT | |
| 19:11 | |
| The president of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, has welcomed the deal. | The president of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, has welcomed the deal. |
| The world has come together to forge a deal that finally reflects the aspiration, and the seriousness, to preserve our planet for future generations. | The world has come together to forge a deal that finally reflects the aspiration, and the seriousness, to preserve our planet for future generations. |
| First, it leaves no one behind – protecting the poorest people and the most vulnerable countries by calling on all of us to hold the increase in temperatures to well below 2C and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C. | First, it leaves no one behind – protecting the poorest people and the most vulnerable countries by calling on all of us to hold the increase in temperatures to well below 2C and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C. |
| Second, it sends the much needed signal to trigger the massive sums of public and private sector investments needed to drive economies toward a carbon neutral world as advised by science. While doing this, we will strive to ensure that there is the necessary finance to provide resilience for developing countries. | Second, it sends the much needed signal to trigger the massive sums of public and private sector investments needed to drive economies toward a carbon neutral world as advised by science. While doing this, we will strive to ensure that there is the necessary finance to provide resilience for developing countries. |
| Third, it changes development. We agree there is no development without tackling climate change. We cannot poison the planet and thrive. | Third, it changes development. We agree there is no development without tackling climate change. We cannot poison the planet and thrive. |
| 7.10pm GMT | |
| 19:10 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| From the plenary hall: Nicaragua saying it is unhappy that the gavel was brought down, says it still has concerns and wasn’t given a chance to speak. | From the plenary hall: Nicaragua saying it is unhappy that the gavel was brought down, says it still has concerns and wasn’t given a chance to speak. |
| But as we pointed out earlier this week, in our interview with ex-president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, who hosted the Cancun COP in 2010, consensus does not have to mean unanimity under international law, so Fabius was entitled to bring down the gavel and see this agreement through. | But as we pointed out earlier this week, in our interview with ex-president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, who hosted the Cancun COP in 2010, consensus does not have to mean unanimity under international law, so Fabius was entitled to bring down the gavel and see this agreement through. |
| There may be other dissenting voices raised from the hall before the speeches are finished, but it is clear from the responses of delegates that they will be in a small minority. The agreement will stand – Fabius learned the procedural lessons of Copenhagen and has ensured that a small number of critics could not block the deal that all other countries were in favour of. So the gavel could come down. | There may be other dissenting voices raised from the hall before the speeches are finished, but it is clear from the responses of delegates that they will be in a small minority. The agreement will stand – Fabius learned the procedural lessons of Copenhagen and has ensured that a small number of critics could not block the deal that all other countries were in favour of. So the gavel could come down. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.01pm GMT | |
| 7.08pm GMT | |
| 19:08 | |
| Carole Dieschbourg, environment minister for Luxembourg which currently has the EU presidency, is praising the deal and French hosts. | Carole Dieschbourg, environment minister for Luxembourg which currently has the EU presidency, is praising the deal and French hosts. |
| “We must now translate this agreement into concrete action,” she says. | “We must now translate this agreement into concrete action,” she says. |
| It’s a huge challenge, but I am confident we will do that, she says. | It’s a huge challenge, but I am confident we will do that, she says. |
| “Today I have seen political will that makes me hope that we can change this world together,” she says. | “Today I have seen political will that makes me hope that we can change this world together,” she says. |
| Miguel Arias Cañete is speaking. France has united the world, he says. This makes us proud as Europeans, he says. | Miguel Arias Cañete is speaking. France has united the world, he says. This makes us proud as Europeans, he says. |
| “Today we celebrate, tomorrow we have to act,” he tells the audience. | “Today we celebrate, tomorrow we have to act,” he tells the audience. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.01pm GMT | |
| 7.05pm GMT | |
| 19:05 | |
| The moment the deal was done – in pictures | The moment the deal was done – in pictures |
| 7.00pm GMT | |
| 19:00 | |
| Lot of countries praising Fabius for his personal leadership and role through these long and often sleepless talks. | Lot of countries praising Fabius for his personal leadership and role through these long and often sleepless talks. |
| 6.57pm GMT | |
| 18:57 | |
| Suzanne Goldenberg | Suzanne Goldenberg |
| Al Gore, who was in the hall and appeared visibly moved when the agreement was gavelled in, said the accord would have a powerful effect on the economy. | Al Gore, who was in the hall and appeared visibly moved when the agreement was gavelled in, said the accord would have a powerful effect on the economy. |
| “This universal and ambitious agreement sends a clear signal to governments, businesses, and investors everywhere: the transformation of our global economy from one fuelled by dirty energy to one fuelled by sustainable economic growth is now firmly and inevitably under way,” Gore said in a statement. | “This universal and ambitious agreement sends a clear signal to governments, businesses, and investors everywhere: the transformation of our global economy from one fuelled by dirty energy to one fuelled by sustainable economic growth is now firmly and inevitably under way,” Gore said in a statement. |
| “No agreement is perfect, and this one must be strengthened over time, but groups across every sector of society will now begin to reduce dangerous carbon pollution through the framework of this agreement.” | “No agreement is perfect, and this one must be strengthened over time, but groups across every sector of society will now begin to reduce dangerous carbon pollution through the framework of this agreement.” |
| Updated | |
| at 9.01pm GMT | |
| 6.56pm GMT | |
| 18:56 | |
| Business groups and figures are welcoming the agreement. | Business groups and figures are welcoming the agreement. |
| Mark Kenber, CEO of the Climate Group, said: “It gives us the long term climate goal we wanted, and a clear roadmap on how to get there. This gives policymakers, businesses and investors the certainty they need to move ahead and build a low carbon economy.” | Mark Kenber, CEO of the Climate Group, said: “It gives us the long term climate goal we wanted, and a clear roadmap on how to get there. This gives policymakers, businesses and investors the certainty they need to move ahead and build a low carbon economy.” |
| Philippe Joubert, chair of the Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group, which represents 23 global businesses including BT and France’s EDF, said: “Business leaders and investors now have a clear direction of travel, a global framework to speed up and scale up of their solutions. The Paris agreement will accelerate the shift to a new sustainable, equitable and decarbonised world.” | Philippe Joubert, chair of the Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group, which represents 23 global businesses including BT and France’s EDF, said: “Business leaders and investors now have a clear direction of travel, a global framework to speed up and scale up of their solutions. The Paris agreement will accelerate the shift to a new sustainable, equitable and decarbonised world.” |
| Paul Polman, CEO of consumer goods giant Unilever, said: “The world demanded climate action and the international community has responded. Today’s agreement demonstrates without question that it is possible for us to come together in common cause to address the greatest challenges we face, preventing tragedy for the many millions of people vulnerable to the effects of climate change and securing the economic prosperity of the world in the 21st century.” | Paul Polman, CEO of consumer goods giant Unilever, said: “The world demanded climate action and the international community has responded. Today’s agreement demonstrates without question that it is possible for us to come together in common cause to address the greatest challenges we face, preventing tragedy for the many millions of people vulnerable to the effects of climate change and securing the economic prosperity of the world in the 21st century.” |
| Updated | |
| at 9.02pm GMT | |
| 6.38pm GMT | |
| 18:38 | |
| Here’s a short video from the moment the deal was done: | Here’s a short video from the moment the deal was done: |
| #ParisAgreement is adopted in #Paris at #COP21! #GoCOP21 pic.twitter.com/9wCxyshWa7 | #ParisAgreement is adopted in #Paris at #COP21! #GoCOP21 pic.twitter.com/9wCxyshWa7 |
| 6.37pm GMT | |
| 18:37 | |
| South Africa says it believes “this conference represents the first in a long journey the global community the world needs to take together.” | South Africa says it believes “this conference represents the first in a long journey the global community the world needs to take together.” |
| 6.36pm GMT | |
| 18:36 | |
| "Nearly 200 nations sign in end of fossil fuel era" | "Nearly 200 nations sign in end of fossil fuel era" |
| That’s the headline on our news story on the adoption of the first universal climate agreement. | That’s the headline on our news story on the adoption of the first universal climate agreement. |
| Here’s the top of the piece: | Here’s the top of the piece: |
| Governments have signalled an end to the fossil fuel era, committing for the first time to a universal agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to avoid the most dangerous effects of climate change at crunch UN talks in Paris. | Governments have signalled an end to the fossil fuel era, committing for the first time to a universal agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to avoid the most dangerous effects of climate change at crunch UN talks in Paris. |
| After 20 years of fraught meetings, including the past two weeks spent in an exhibition hall on the outskirts of Paris, negotiators from nearly 200 countries signed on to a deal on Saturday evening that set ambitious goals to limit temperature rise and to hold governments to account for reaching those targets. | After 20 years of fraught meetings, including the past two weeks spent in an exhibition hall on the outskirts of Paris, negotiators from nearly 200 countries signed on to a deal on Saturday evening that set ambitious goals to limit temperature rise and to hold governments to account for reaching those targets. |
| François Hollande, the French president, appealed to negotiators to approve the 31-page text, and said countries had a rare chance to make history. “We are at a decisive point in time,” he said. | François Hollande, the French president, appealed to negotiators to approve the 31-page text, and said countries had a rare chance to make history. “We are at a decisive point in time,” he said. |
| Read the full thing here. | Read the full thing here. |
| 6.33pm GMT | |
| 18:33 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| It’s an outpouring of emotion inside the plenary hall. People are weping and celbrating, hugging and exchanging kisses, weeping freely. Fabius is happy. And so he deserves to be – this is an achievement many thought would be impossible. | It’s an outpouring of emotion inside the plenary hall. People are weping and celbrating, hugging and exchanging kisses, weeping freely. Fabius is happy. And so he deserves to be – this is an achievement many thought would be impossible. |
| He is now thanking all those who helped reach this historic agreement. The president of France, François Hollande, and Ban Ki-moon are hugging Figueres and Tubiana.It’s better than a football match. | He is now thanking all those who helped reach this historic agreement. The president of France, François Hollande, and Ban Ki-moon are hugging Figueres and Tubiana.It’s better than a football match. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.02pm GMT | |
| 6.31pm GMT | |
| 18:31 | |
| Hollande has joined everyone on the platform, holding hands in the air with Figueres, Fabius and the other dignatories on stage, as they receive continued applause. | Hollande has joined everyone on the platform, holding hands in the air with Figueres, Fabius and the other dignatories on stage, as they receive continued applause. |
| 6.30pm GMT | |
| 18:30 | |
| The gavel is down | The gavel is down |
| “You have to gavel,” we can hear Figueres telling Fabius. | “You have to gavel,” we can hear Figueres telling Fabius. |
| “It’s a small gavel but I think it can do a great job,” jokes Fabius, as he brings the gavel down, signalling the deal has been done. | “It’s a small gavel but I think it can do a great job,” jokes Fabius, as he brings the gavel down, signalling the deal has been done. |
| 6.28pm GMT | |
| 18:28 | |
| Figueres and Fabius are both giving double thumps up to the assembled delegates, and smiling from ear to ear. In the next few days they are likely to get a lot of the credit for this deal. | Figueres and Fabius are both giving double thumps up to the assembled delegates, and smiling from ear to ear. In the next few days they are likely to get a lot of the credit for this deal. |
| 6.26pm GMT | |
| 18:26 | |
| The Paris agreement is adopted | The Paris agreement is adopted |
| We have a deal! | We have a deal! |
| Updated | |
| at 9.03pm GMT | |
| 6.26pm GMT | |
| 18:26 | |
| I now invite the COP to adopt the document the Paris agreement. I see no objections: the Paris agreement is adopted. | I now invite the COP to adopt the document the Paris agreement. I see no objections: the Paris agreement is adopted. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.03pm GMT | |
| 6.25pm GMT | |
| 18:25 | |
| “I call to order the 11th session of the 21st COP,” says Fabius. | “I call to order the 11th session of the 21st COP,” says Fabius. |
| There are a couple of technical issues to resolve, says Fabius. That has been done, he says. | There are a couple of technical issues to resolve, says Fabius. That has been done, he says. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.03pm GMT | |
| 6.24pm GMT | |
| 18:24 | |
| Fabius is moving to adoption of the text. | Fabius is moving to adoption of the text. |
| 6.24pm GMT | |
| 18:24 | |
| The should/shall issue was important because it suggested developed countries had greater responsibility to do more than developing ones. | The should/shall issue was important because it suggested developed countries had greater responsibility to do more than developing ones. |
| 6.23pm GMT | |
| 18:23 | |
| A number of errors were not detected in the text, an official says. | A number of errors were not detected in the text, an official says. |
| The key one is in Article 4. | The key one is in Article 4. |
| The text country says “developed county parties shall continue” taking the lead in emissions cuts. It should say “should”. | The text country says “developed county parties shall continue” taking the lead in emissions cuts. It should say “should”. |
| 6.17pm GMT | |
| 18:17 | |
| Adoption and then speeches, says Fabius. | Adoption and then speeches, says Fabius. |
| 6.16pm GMT | |
| 18:16 | |
| Fabius is back. Here we go. | Fabius is back. Here we go. |
| 5.50pm GMT | |
| 17:50 | |
| UN climate chief Figueres is back, conferring with Kinley. It could be just the sheer amount of stage management needed for this kind of event, or it could be a case of last-minute diplomacy required that is taking up the attention of the French hosts. | UN climate chief Figueres is back, conferring with Kinley. It could be just the sheer amount of stage management needed for this kind of event, or it could be a case of last-minute diplomacy required that is taking up the attention of the French hosts. |
| 5.49pm GMT | |
| 17:49 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| The platform is now deserted apart from two high-ranking UN climate secretariat officials, Halldor Thorgeirsson, director for strategy, and Richard Kinley, deputy executive secretary. We may be in for quite a wait still before this meeting finally starts. | The platform is now deserted apart from two high-ranking UN climate secretariat officials, Halldor Thorgeirsson, director for strategy, and Richard Kinley, deputy executive secretary. We may be in for quite a wait still before this meeting finally starts. |
| 5.46pm GMT | |
| 17:46 | |
| Some images from inside the hall. | Some images from inside the hall. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.04pm GMT | |
| 5.39pm GMT | |
| 17:39 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| The dignitaries - Fabius, Figueres, Laurence Tubiana etc - have now left the platform at the plenary, perhaps to pursue last minute discussions somewhere more private. Heads of delegation are still here, as far as we can see. Miguel Arias Canete of the EU has left his seat to talk to aides. It’s unclear when this meeting might begin. | The dignitaries - Fabius, Figueres, Laurence Tubiana etc - have now left the platform at the plenary, perhaps to pursue last minute discussions somewhere more private. Heads of delegation are still here, as far as we can see. Miguel Arias Canete of the EU has left his seat to talk to aides. It’s unclear when this meeting might begin. |
| 5.34pm GMT | |
| 17:34 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| In their final stages, the Paris talks are adhering to their tradition of always being a bit later than first advertised - the plenary, which if all goes according to the French plan will be the final one, is now an hour late and although everybody seems to be in the room, there is still no sign of it starting. Some people, having secured their seats, are even leaving the hall, perhaps to make phone calls or take a swift break before the fun starts. | In their final stages, the Paris talks are adhering to their tradition of always being a bit later than first advertised - the plenary, which if all goes according to the French plan will be the final one, is now an hour late and although everybody seems to be in the room, there is still no sign of it starting. Some people, having secured their seats, are even leaving the hall, perhaps to make phone calls or take a swift break before the fun starts. |
| 5.27pm GMT | |
| 17:27 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| Janos Pasztor, Ban Ki-moon’s advisor on climate change, seen scurrying out of the hall making a phone call. What can it mean? | Janos Pasztor, Ban Ki-moon’s advisor on climate change, seen scurrying out of the hall making a phone call. What can it mean? |
| 5.27pm GMT | |
| 17:27 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| French, UN and officials are huddled on platform. Perhaps deciding last minute running order. Or perhaps something more serious. | French, UN and officials are huddled on platform. Perhaps deciding last minute running order. Or perhaps something more serious. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.05pm GMT | |
| 5.10pm GMT | |
| 17:10 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| Atmosphere is very excited here and people are rushing up to embrace each other warmly. Lots of animated chatter as we wait to begin. People seem noticeably more relaxed than at previous plenaries. | Atmosphere is very excited here and people are rushing up to embrace each other warmly. Lots of animated chatter as we wait to begin. People seem noticeably more relaxed than at previous plenaries. |
| 5.08pm GMT | |
| 17:08 | |
| The ‘scrubbers’ - the name for the legal and translation teams here at the talks - have finished their work. The draft climate text is now available online in six languages. But it’s still not been officially adopted. Not yet. | The ‘scrubbers’ - the name for the legal and translation teams here at the talks - have finished their work. The draft climate text is now available online in six languages. But it’s still not been officially adopted. Not yet. |
| 5.03pm GMT | |
| 17:03 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| Kerry and Xie greet each other warmly, and Xie hugs Laurence Tubiana All very warm and boding well. | Kerry and Xie greet each other warmly, and Xie hugs Laurence Tubiana All very warm and boding well. |
| Al Gore is now posing for selfies with members of the audience. Todd Stern exchanging remarks with Brazil’s ambassador. | Al Gore is now posing for selfies with members of the audience. Todd Stern exchanging remarks with Brazil’s ambassador. |
| 5.01pm GMT | |
| 17:01 | |
| The weird world of the climate talks... Here are some members of the ‘coalition of high ambition’ taking an apparent selfie on the way into the plenary hall. In the centre is Tony de Brum, foreign minister of the Marshall Islands, with grey hair, who helped convene the coalition. | The weird world of the climate talks... Here are some members of the ‘coalition of high ambition’ taking an apparent selfie on the way into the plenary hall. In the centre is Tony de Brum, foreign minister of the Marshall Islands, with grey hair, who helped convene the coalition. |
| High-ambition coalition arrives for #COP21! pic.twitter.com/JkOmbt9RlV | High-ambition coalition arrives for #COP21! pic.twitter.com/JkOmbt9RlV |
| And, perhaps more significantly, here’s China giving the thumbs-up to the EU (literally): | And, perhaps more significantly, here’s China giving the thumbs-up to the EU (literally): |
| Good signal before #COP21 plenary. pic.twitter.com/rP6FFrrccE | Good signal before #COP21 plenary. pic.twitter.com/rP6FFrrccE |
| The EU is also part of the ‘coalition of high ambition’. | The EU is also part of the ‘coalition of high ambition’. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.02pm GMT | |
| 4.49pm GMT | |
| 16:49 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| Miguel Arias Canete, the EU’s climate commissioner, told the Guardian that the EU was “fully supporting” the draft agreement. | Miguel Arias Canete, the EU’s climate commissioner, told the Guardian that the EU was “fully supporting” the draft agreement. |
| “I pray that other parties will also support it,” he said. “Fingers crossed.” | “I pray that other parties will also support it,” he said. “Fingers crossed.” |
| He said that a “historic” agreement was in sight, and that the deal on the table was fully “fit for purpose”. “The architecture is very fine,” he said. “It is solid. We can build on it. The deal is ambitious, balanced and robust.” | He said that a “historic” agreement was in sight, and that the deal on the table was fully “fit for purpose”. “The architecture is very fine,” he said. “It is solid. We can build on it. The deal is ambitious, balanced and robust.” |
| He said that the French had done “an excellent job” in bringing the conference to a conclusion, and that the turning point, in his view, had been the forging of the “high ambition coalition”, bringing together the EU, the least developed countries and most vulnerable nations, and other developing countries including the US, Canada and Australia. | He said that the French had done “an excellent job” in bringing the conference to a conclusion, and that the turning point, in his view, had been the forging of the “high ambition coalition”, bringing together the EU, the least developed countries and most vulnerable nations, and other developing countries including the US, Canada and Australia. |
| “Now we will see what happens - when the night comes,” he said. | “Now we will see what happens - when the night comes,” he said. |
| 4.47pm GMT | |
| 16:47 | |
| Al Gore and Nick Stern are here, exchanging a handshake in the audience. | Al Gore and Nick Stern are here, exchanging a handshake in the audience. |
| 4.47pm GMT | |
| 16:47 | |
| There is applause in the main hall as the assembled delegates spot the arrival of Laurent Fabius. Will the French aim to rush this through or will this plenary session go on for hours? We don’t know. | There is applause in the main hall as the assembled delegates spot the arrival of Laurent Fabius. Will the French aim to rush this through or will this plenary session go on for hours? We don’t know. |
| 4.46pm GMT | |
| 16:46 | |
| Okay, we’ve got Laurent Fabius, Ban Ki-moon, and John Kerry in the plenary hall here now. It’s about to start. | Okay, we’ve got Laurent Fabius, Ban Ki-moon, and John Kerry in the plenary hall here now. It’s about to start. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.51pm GMT | |
| 4.00pm GMT | |
| 16:00 | |
| Here’s the verdict on the draft text from Guardian columnist George Monbiot: | Here’s the verdict on the draft text from Guardian columnist George Monbiot: |
| By comparison to what it could have been, it’s a miracle. By comparison to what it should have been, it’s a disaster. | By comparison to what it could have been, it’s a miracle. By comparison to what it should have been, it’s a disaster. |
| Inside the narrow frame within which the talks have taken place, the draft agreement at the UN climate talks in Paris is a great success. The relief and self-congratulation with which the final text was greeted, acknowledges the failure at Copenhagen six years ago, where the negotiations ran wildly over time before collapsing. The Paris agreement is still awaiting formal adoption, but its aspirational limit of 1.5C of global warming, after the rejection of this demand for so many years, can be seen within this frame as a resounding victory. In this respect and others, the final text is stronger than most people anticipated. | Inside the narrow frame within which the talks have taken place, the draft agreement at the UN climate talks in Paris is a great success. The relief and self-congratulation with which the final text was greeted, acknowledges the failure at Copenhagen six years ago, where the negotiations ran wildly over time before collapsing. The Paris agreement is still awaiting formal adoption, but its aspirational limit of 1.5C of global warming, after the rejection of this demand for so many years, can be seen within this frame as a resounding victory. In this respect and others, the final text is stronger than most people anticipated. |
| Outside the frame it looks like something else. I doubt any of the negotiators believe that there will be no more than 1.5C of global warming as a result of these talks. As the preamble to the agreement acknowledges, even 2C, in view of the weak promises governments brought to Paris, is wildly ambitious. Though negotiated by some nations in good faith, the real outcomes are likely to commit us to levels of climate breakdown that will be dangerous to all and lethal to some. | Outside the frame it looks like something else. I doubt any of the negotiators believe that there will be no more than 1.5C of global warming as a result of these talks. As the preamble to the agreement acknowledges, even 2C, in view of the weak promises governments brought to Paris, is wildly ambitious. Though negotiated by some nations in good faith, the real outcomes are likely to commit us to levels of climate breakdown that will be dangerous to all and lethal to some. |
| The full piece is here: | The full piece is here: |
| Related: Grand promises of Paris climate deal undermined by squalid retrenchments | Related: Grand promises of Paris climate deal undermined by squalid retrenchments |
| Updated | |
| at 9.06pm GMT | |
| 3.37pm GMT | |
| 15:37 | |
| Had the deal not included an aim to limit warming to 1.5C it would have been un-bear-able for these guys. | Had the deal not included an aim to limit warming to 1.5C it would have been un-bear-able for these guys. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.38pm GMT | |
| 3.32pm GMT | |
| 15:32 | |
| The pledges by individual countries to cut or curb their carbon emissions (the so-called Intended Nationally Defined Contributions) are the foundation of the potential agreement here in Paris. Here’s our team’s analysis of the promises from key countries and what they add up to. | The pledges by individual countries to cut or curb their carbon emissions (the so-called Intended Nationally Defined Contributions) are the foundation of the potential agreement here in Paris. Here’s our team’s analysis of the promises from key countries and what they add up to. |
| Related: Which countries are doing the most to stop dangerous global warming? | Related: Which countries are doing the most to stop dangerous global warming? |
| 3.25pm GMT | |
| 15:25 | |
| If you are coming to this late and wondering what these talks are all about, here’s our ‘At a Glance’ guide. | If you are coming to this late and wondering what these talks are all about, here’s our ‘At a Glance’ guide. |
| Related: The Paris climate summit at a glance | Related: The Paris climate summit at a glance |
| 3.10pm GMT | |
| 15:10 | |
| More reaction here from Lord Nicholas Stern (via Inside Climate News), chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change at the London School of Economics and author of the influential Stern Review for the UK Treasury in 2006: | More reaction here from Lord Nicholas Stern (via Inside Climate News), chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change at the London School of Economics and author of the influential Stern Review for the UK Treasury in 2006: |
| “This is a historic moment, not just for us and our world today, but for our children, our grandchildren and future generations. The Paris Agreement is a turning point in the world’s fight against unmanaged climate change, which threatens prosperity and well-being among both rich and poor countries. The Agreement creates enormous opportunities as countries begin to accelerate along the path towards low-carbon economic development and growth.” | “This is a historic moment, not just for us and our world today, but for our children, our grandchildren and future generations. The Paris Agreement is a turning point in the world’s fight against unmanaged climate change, which threatens prosperity and well-being among both rich and poor countries. The Agreement creates enormous opportunities as countries begin to accelerate along the path towards low-carbon economic development and growth.” |
| 3.02pm GMT | |
| 15:02 | |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis has submitted its emissions pledge (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution or INDC in the UN jargon). Better late than never... | Saint Kitts and Nevis has submitted its emissions pledge (Intended Nationally Determined Contribution or INDC in the UN jargon). Better late than never... |
| Thanks Saint Kitts and Nevis for #INDC https://t.co/L9ffW9mxLE - 187th Party to submit #climateaction plan #COP21 pic.twitter.com/YSIrCRdzP9 | Thanks Saint Kitts and Nevis for #INDC https://t.co/L9ffW9mxLE - 187th Party to submit #climateaction plan #COP21 pic.twitter.com/YSIrCRdzP9 |
| 2.53pm GMT | |
| 14:53 | |
| Official adoption process delayed until 5.30pm | Official adoption process delayed until 5.30pm |
| Paris is living up to the reputation of the previous two decades of annual climate jamborees, with the climax repeatedly being delayed. The final plenary is now slated for 5.30pm. | Paris is living up to the reputation of the previous two decades of annual climate jamborees, with the climax repeatedly being delayed. The final plenary is now slated for 5.30pm. |
| At this point, we don’t know why, but the French hosts are presumably getting final disagreements smoothed out in private rather than in public. | At this point, we don’t know why, but the French hosts are presumably getting final disagreements smoothed out in private rather than in public. |
| 2.31pm GMT | |
| 14:31 | |
| Lenore Taylor | Lenore Taylor |
| Michael Jacobs, senior adviser for the New Climate Economy project, said the new language in the text about a long term global goal was actually stronger than the last draft’s language about “net zero emissions” by expressing the same aim in the language of science. | Michael Jacobs, senior adviser for the New Climate Economy project, said the new language in the text about a long term global goal was actually stronger than the last draft’s language about “net zero emissions” by expressing the same aim in the language of science. |
| The final draft says countries will aim “to achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century”. | The final draft says countries will aim “to achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century”. |
| According to Jacobs that is “science based language to express net zero emissions” and represents “a strengthening of the language because it roots this agreement in the science”. | According to Jacobs that is “science based language to express net zero emissions” and represents “a strengthening of the language because it roots this agreement in the science”. |
| Jacobs said this sent a powerful signal to investors. | Jacobs said this sent a powerful signal to investors. |
| “One of the most important thing before this conference was the engagement of the investor and business community and what they wanted was a signal...that the world was on an irreversible and irrevocable downward trend in emissions.” He said the long term goal provided that. | “One of the most important thing before this conference was the engagement of the investor and business community and what they wanted was a signal...that the world was on an irreversible and irrevocable downward trend in emissions.” He said the long term goal provided that. |
| Jennifer Morgan of the World Resources Institute said the long term goal was “transformational” and “sends signals into the heart of the markets”. | Jennifer Morgan of the World Resources Institute said the long term goal was “transformational” and “sends signals into the heart of the markets”. |
| 2.28pm GMT | |
| 14:28 | |
| Here’s some reaction from scientists compiled by the Science Media Centre in London. Many of them are talking as if the deal is already done but we won’t know for sure for a little while yet. | Here’s some reaction from scientists compiled by the Science Media Centre in London. Many of them are talking as if the deal is already done but we won’t know for sure for a little while yet. |
| Prof Corinne Le Quéré, Professor of Climate Change Science and Policy at the University of East Anglia and Director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research: | Prof Corinne Le Quéré, Professor of Climate Change Science and Policy at the University of East Anglia and Director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research: |
| “The final draft text recognises the imperatives of the science community to tackle climate change. The three key elements to do it are there in some form: keep warming well below two degrees, practically move away from fossil fuels, and review each country’s contribution every five years so they scale up to the challenge. The emissions cuts promised by countries now are still wholly insufficient, but the agreement as a whole sends a strong message to businesses, investors, and citizens that new energy is clean and fossil fuels belong to the past. There is a lot of work ahead of us to make this happen.” | “The final draft text recognises the imperatives of the science community to tackle climate change. The three key elements to do it are there in some form: keep warming well below two degrees, practically move away from fossil fuels, and review each country’s contribution every five years so they scale up to the challenge. The emissions cuts promised by countries now are still wholly insufficient, but the agreement as a whole sends a strong message to businesses, investors, and citizens that new energy is clean and fossil fuels belong to the past. There is a lot of work ahead of us to make this happen.” |
| Prof Tim Palmer, Royal Society Research Professor in Climate Physics & Director of Oxford Martin Programme on Modelling and Predicting Climate, University of Oxford: | Prof Tim Palmer, Royal Society Research Professor in Climate Physics & Director of Oxford Martin Programme on Modelling and Predicting Climate, University of Oxford: |
| “Paris has shown all countries of the world taking the climate threat seriously, and this is to be applauded. The Paris agreement will help reduce the chances of dangerous climate change - though by exactly how much is hard to quantify. In particular, when we speak about targets of 2 degrees, or even 1.5 degrees, we should remember that climate science has yet to uncover a simple deterministic relationship between carbon emissions and the level of future global warming. Instead, the relationship is imprecise - even more so at the regional level - reflecting current uncertainties in many complex processes at play in the climate system. If we wish to reduce uncertainty in our estimates of future climate, governments must continue to invest in the basic science of the physical climate system. | “Paris has shown all countries of the world taking the climate threat seriously, and this is to be applauded. The Paris agreement will help reduce the chances of dangerous climate change - though by exactly how much is hard to quantify. In particular, when we speak about targets of 2 degrees, or even 1.5 degrees, we should remember that climate science has yet to uncover a simple deterministic relationship between carbon emissions and the level of future global warming. Instead, the relationship is imprecise - even more so at the regional level - reflecting current uncertainties in many complex processes at play in the climate system. If we wish to reduce uncertainty in our estimates of future climate, governments must continue to invest in the basic science of the physical climate system. |
| Prof Myles Allen, Professor of Geosystem Science, University of Oxford: | Prof Myles Allen, Professor of Geosystem Science, University of Oxford: |
| “Is 1.5 degrees possible? Human-induced warming is already approaching 1 degree, and predicted to be at 1.2 degrees by 2030, so obviously 1.5 degrees will be a challenge. But the IPCC’s “likely 2 degrees” carbon budget, regarded as ambitious but (just) doable, already limits warming due to CO2 alone to 1.5 degrees. So once we are on a path to net zero CO2 emissions, it will all come down to what we can do about other sources of warming. If we can stick to the IPCC’s 2-degree budget, and if UNEP is right that we can reduce peak temperatures by 0.5 degrees with action on methane and soot, and if Mother Nature is reasonably kind on the climate response, then 1.5 degrees is definitely still in the frame. But that is a lot of ‘ifs’.” | “Is 1.5 degrees possible? Human-induced warming is already approaching 1 degree, and predicted to be at 1.2 degrees by 2030, so obviously 1.5 degrees will be a challenge. But the IPCC’s “likely 2 degrees” carbon budget, regarded as ambitious but (just) doable, already limits warming due to CO2 alone to 1.5 degrees. So once we are on a path to net zero CO2 emissions, it will all come down to what we can do about other sources of warming. If we can stick to the IPCC’s 2-degree budget, and if UNEP is right that we can reduce peak temperatures by 0.5 degrees with action on methane and soot, and if Mother Nature is reasonably kind on the climate response, then 1.5 degrees is definitely still in the frame. But that is a lot of ‘ifs’.” |
| Prof David Reay, Professor of Carbon Management, University of Edinburgh: | Prof David Reay, Professor of Carbon Management, University of Edinburgh: |
| “This is a huge breakthrough. Those long nights of negotiations have paid dividends. Legally-binding, a robust ratchet mechanism, and strong reporting requirements - impressive. If adopted, the Paris agreement will become the first concrete step on our collective way towards avoiding dangerous climate change. There will be bumps in the road ahead, steep inclines and muddy wallows to overcome, but Paris has skilfully avoided hitting a climate change dead end.” | “This is a huge breakthrough. Those long nights of negotiations have paid dividends. Legally-binding, a robust ratchet mechanism, and strong reporting requirements - impressive. If adopted, the Paris agreement will become the first concrete step on our collective way towards avoiding dangerous climate change. There will be bumps in the road ahead, steep inclines and muddy wallows to overcome, but Paris has skilfully avoided hitting a climate change dead end.” |
| Mr Asher Minns, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, University of East Anglia, said: | Mr Asher Minns, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, University of East Anglia, said: |
| “Climate science communication has a new challenge to rise to because if the likely way to keep temperature well below 2C is by overshooting and reversing global temperature, it means new conversations to engage people with the impacts of global climate change policy that is designed for extreme weather to be worse before it gets better.” | “Climate science communication has a new challenge to rise to because if the likely way to keep temperature well below 2C is by overshooting and reversing global temperature, it means new conversations to engage people with the impacts of global climate change policy that is designed for extreme weather to be worse before it gets better.” |
| 2.21pm GMT | |
| 14:21 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| I just spoke to Lalldor Thorgeirsson, director of strategy at the UN climate secretariat, who has worked on this for years. He says we are now nearly there. | I just spoke to Lalldor Thorgeirsson, director of strategy at the UN climate secretariat, who has worked on this for years. He says we are now nearly there. |
| “We have unity - that is different,” he said. Asked what had been the decisive factor he said there were several, including the growing realisation that dealing with climate change can be “a positive agenda” rather than just a cost; that there is growing awareness of our vulnerability to the damage if climate change; and that the French presidency had been instrumental. | “We have unity - that is different,” he said. Asked what had been the decisive factor he said there were several, including the growing realisation that dealing with climate change can be “a positive agenda” rather than just a cost; that there is growing awareness of our vulnerability to the damage if climate change; and that the French presidency had been instrumental. |
| He pointed out that as a member of the security council the French hold an important place in international negotiations. Asked if there was anything that hadn’t been included in the agreement that he would have like to see, he said no, he was happy with the text, which represents “a good deal”. | He pointed out that as a member of the security council the French hold an important place in international negotiations. Asked if there was anything that hadn’t been included in the agreement that he would have like to see, he said no, he was happy with the text, which represents “a good deal”. |
| 2.12pm GMT | |
| 14:12 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| Dirk Forrister, chief executive of emissions trading trade body IETA, said: “The COP President made it clear this morning that the Paris Agreement is built on a spirit of cooperation between governments, business and civil society. We’re pleased to see the proposed agreement could enhance cooperation through market approaches. It includes strong accounting principles to ensure market integrity. It also includes a mechanism for sustainable development, open for all who want to use it. This could unleash new investment flows and drive innovation. | Dirk Forrister, chief executive of emissions trading trade body IETA, said: “The COP President made it clear this morning that the Paris Agreement is built on a spirit of cooperation between governments, business and civil society. We’re pleased to see the proposed agreement could enhance cooperation through market approaches. It includes strong accounting principles to ensure market integrity. It also includes a mechanism for sustainable development, open for all who want to use it. This could unleash new investment flows and drive innovation. |
| “We’re cautiously optimistic and will be watching the plenary later.” | “We’re cautiously optimistic and will be watching the plenary later.” |
| 1.53pm GMT | |
| 13:53 | |
| More reaction here from the campaign group 350.org: | More reaction here from the campaign group 350.org: |
| Co-founder Bill McKibben, said: | Co-founder Bill McKibben, said: |
| “Every government seems now to recognize that the fossil fuel era must end and soon. But the power of the fossil fuel industry is reflected in the text, which drags out the transition so far that endless climate damage will be done. Since pace is the crucial question now, activists must redouble our efforts to weaken that industry. This didn’t save the planet but it may have saved the chance of saving the planet.” | “Every government seems now to recognize that the fossil fuel era must end and soon. But the power of the fossil fuel industry is reflected in the text, which drags out the transition so far that endless climate damage will be done. Since pace is the crucial question now, activists must redouble our efforts to weaken that industry. This didn’t save the planet but it may have saved the chance of saving the planet.” |
| Executive director, May Boeve: | Executive director, May Boeve: |
| “This marks the end of the era of fossil fuels. There is no way to meet the targets laid out in this agreement without keeping coal, oil and gas in the ground. The text should send a clear signal to fossil fuel investors: divest now. | “This marks the end of the era of fossil fuels. There is no way to meet the targets laid out in this agreement without keeping coal, oil and gas in the ground. The text should send a clear signal to fossil fuel investors: divest now. |
| The final text still has some serious gaps. We’re very concerned about the exclusion of the rights of indigenous peoples, the lack of finance for loss and damage, and that while the text recognizes the importance of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees C, the current commitments from countries still add up to well over 3 degrees of warming. These are red lines we cannot cross. After Paris, we’ll be redoubling our efforts to deliver the real solutions that science and justice demand.” | The final text still has some serious gaps. We’re very concerned about the exclusion of the rights of indigenous peoples, the lack of finance for loss and damage, and that while the text recognizes the importance of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees C, the current commitments from countries still add up to well over 3 degrees of warming. These are red lines we cannot cross. After Paris, we’ll be redoubling our efforts to deliver the real solutions that science and justice demand.” |
| 1.38pm GMT | |
| 13:38 | |
| Here are some more images from the protests around Paris today. | Here are some more images from the protests around Paris today. |
| 1.32pm GMT | |
| 13:32 | |
| Lenore Taylor | Lenore Taylor |
| Tim Gore from Oxfam International said the poorest had been “short-changed” by parts of the draft deal. | Tim Gore from Oxfam International said the poorest had been “short-changed” by parts of the draft deal. |
| He said the agreement to revisit the promise to provide at least $100bn a year in financing in 2025 was “simply not good enough”. | He said the agreement to revisit the promise to provide at least $100bn a year in financing in 2025 was “simply not good enough”. |
| Mohamed Adow from Christian Aid said: “this is the first time ever loss and damage has been included in an international deal on climate change and that is a huge achievement by small island states and least developed countries.” | Mohamed Adow from Christian Aid said: “this is the first time ever loss and damage has been included in an international deal on climate change and that is a huge achievement by small island states and least developed countries.” |
| He said the US would never have accepted any reference to liability for loss and damage, but Greenpeace’s Kumi Naidoo added that “liability and accountability can be secured in different ways...serious litigation attempts are already underway...we hope that threat will mean investors thinking about putting their money into oil coal and gas projects will have a serious rethink.” | He said the US would never have accepted any reference to liability for loss and damage, but Greenpeace’s Kumi Naidoo added that “liability and accountability can be secured in different ways...serious litigation attempts are already underway...we hope that threat will mean investors thinking about putting their money into oil coal and gas projects will have a serious rethink.” |
| “It’s not the end of the fight over liability, it’s put the polluters on notice and that fight will continue in other fora,” Gore said. | “It’s not the end of the fight over liability, it’s put the polluters on notice and that fight will continue in other fora,” Gore said. |
| Naidoo said: “As a result of what we have secured here we will win… for us Paris was always a stop on an ongoing journey… I believe we are now in with a serious chance to succeed.” | Naidoo said: “As a result of what we have secured here we will win… for us Paris was always a stop on an ongoing journey… I believe we are now in with a serious chance to succeed.” |
| 1.26pm GMT | |
| 13:26 | |
| CarbonBrief, an expert climate analysis site, has published a before and after guide to the text. Blue is wording that has changed. Green is brand new text. | CarbonBrief, an expert climate analysis site, has published a before and after guide to the text. Blue is wording that has changed. Green is brand new text. |
| 1.19pm GMT | |
| 13:19 | |
| Green groups welcome draft Paris text | Green groups welcome draft Paris text |
| Here’s what the many NGOs here in Paris think of the final draft. It’s overwhelmingly positive with caveats. | Here’s what the many NGOs here in Paris think of the final draft. It’s overwhelmingly positive with caveats. |
| Avaaz | Avaaz |
| “a turning point in history, paving the way for the shift to 100% clean energy that the world wants and the planet needs” | “a turning point in history, paving the way for the shift to 100% clean energy that the world wants and the planet needs” |
| WWF UK | WWF UK |
| “We have a clear vision in the strong long term goal; mechanisms to address the gap between that aspiration and the countries’ current commitments; and the foundations for financing the transition to a low-carbon future.” | “We have a clear vision in the strong long term goal; mechanisms to address the gap between that aspiration and the countries’ current commitments; and the foundations for financing the transition to a low-carbon future.” |
| Greenpeace | Greenpeace |
| “The wheel of climate action turns slowly, but in Paris it has turned. This deal puts the fossil fuel industry on the wrong side of history. There’s much in the text that has been diluted and polluted by the people who despoil our planet, but it contains a new imperative to limit temperature rises to 1.5C.” | “The wheel of climate action turns slowly, but in Paris it has turned. This deal puts the fossil fuel industry on the wrong side of history. There’s much in the text that has been diluted and polluted by the people who despoil our planet, but it contains a new imperative to limit temperature rises to 1.5C.” |
| 350.org | 350.org |
| “This marks the end of the era of fossil fuels. There is no way to meet the targets laid out in this agreement without keeping coal, oil and gas in the ground.” | “This marks the end of the era of fossil fuels. There is no way to meet the targets laid out in this agreement without keeping coal, oil and gas in the ground.” |
| Oxfam | Oxfam |
| “This deal offers a frayed life-line to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Only the vague promise of a new future climate funding target has been made, while the deal does not force countries to cut emissions fast enough to forestall a climate change catastrophe.” | “This deal offers a frayed life-line to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Only the vague promise of a new future climate funding target has been made, while the deal does not force countries to cut emissions fast enough to forestall a climate change catastrophe.” |
| EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) | EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) |
| The agreement will send a powerful, immediate signal to global markets that the clean energy future is open for business. It makes a moral call for dramatic action that leaves no one behind, and it moves us closer to the crucial turning point when global carbon emissions, which have been rising for more than two centuries, finally begin to decline.” | The agreement will send a powerful, immediate signal to global markets that the clean energy future is open for business. It makes a moral call for dramatic action that leaves no one behind, and it moves us closer to the crucial turning point when global carbon emissions, which have been rising for more than two centuries, finally begin to decline.” |
| Christian Aid | Christian Aid |
| “This is a historic agreement and the culmination of a path the world set out on four years ago.” | “This is a historic agreement and the culmination of a path the world set out on four years ago.” |
| Cafod, Catholic aid agency | Cafod, Catholic aid agency |
| “For poor people living on the frontline of climate change this deal offers hope for a brighter future, but not yet the security that we’ll get there quick enough.” | “For poor people living on the frontline of climate change this deal offers hope for a brighter future, but not yet the security that we’ll get there quick enough.” |
| E3G, thinktank | E3G, thinktank |
| “The transition to a low carbon economy is now unstoppable, ensuring the end of the fossil fuel age.” | “The transition to a low carbon economy is now unstoppable, ensuring the end of the fossil fuel age.” |
| ActionAid | ActionAid |
| “what we have been presented with doesn’t go far enough to improve the fragile existence of millions around the world” | “what we have been presented with doesn’t go far enough to improve the fragile existence of millions around the world” |
| Updated | |
| at 1.36pm GMT | |
| 1.11pm GMT | |
| 13:11 | |
| John Vidal | John Vidal |
| The French hosts have adopted a traditional South African negotiating format to speed up decision-making and bring opposing countries together in Paris. | The French hosts have adopted a traditional South African negotiating format to speed up decision-making and bring opposing countries together in Paris. |
| Zulu and Xhosa communities use “indabas” to give everyone equal opportunity to voice their opinions in order to work toward consensus. | Zulu and Xhosa communities use “indabas” to give everyone equal opportunity to voice their opinions in order to work toward consensus. |
| They were first used in UN climate talks in Durban in 2011 when, with the talks deadlocked and the summit just minutes from collapse, the South African presidency asked the main countries to form a standing circle in the middle of hundreds of delegates and to talk directly to each other. | They were first used in UN climate talks in Durban in 2011 when, with the talks deadlocked and the summit just minutes from collapse, the South African presidency asked the main countries to form a standing circle in the middle of hundreds of delegates and to talk directly to each other. |
| Instead of repeating stated positions, diplomats were encouraged to talk personally and quietly about their “red lines” and to propose solutions to each other. | Instead of repeating stated positions, diplomats were encouraged to talk personally and quietly about their “red lines” and to propose solutions to each other. |
| By including everyone and allowing often hostile countries to speak in earshot of observers, it achieved a remarkable breakthrough within 30 minutes. | By including everyone and allowing often hostile countries to speak in earshot of observers, it achieved a remarkable breakthrough within 30 minutes. |
| In Paris the indaba format was used by France to narrow differences between countries behind closed doors. It is said to have rapidly slimmed down a ballooning text with hundreds of potantial points of disagreements. | In Paris the indaba format was used by France to narrow differences between countries behind closed doors. It is said to have rapidly slimmed down a ballooning text with hundreds of potantial points of disagreements. |
| By Wednesday with agreement still far away, French pime minister Laurent Fabius futher refined the indaba by splitting groups into two. | By Wednesday with agreement still far away, French pime minister Laurent Fabius futher refined the indaba by splitting groups into two. |
| “It is a very effective way to streamline negotiations and bridge differences. .It has the advantage of being participatory yet fair”, said one West African diplomat. “It should be used much more when no way through a problem can be found.” | “It is a very effective way to streamline negotiations and bridge differences. .It has the advantage of being participatory yet fair”, said one West African diplomat. “It should be used much more when no way through a problem can be found.” |
| 1.04pm GMT | |
| 13:04 | |
| The leading US climate scientist James Hansen has denounced the Paris talks as a “fraud” in an interview with my colleague Oliver Milman. | The leading US climate scientist James Hansen has denounced the Paris talks as a “fraud” in an interview with my colleague Oliver Milman. |
| Here’s an extract: | Here’s an extract: |
| “It’s a fraud really, a fake,” he says, rubbing his head. “It’s just bullshit for them to say: ‘We’ll have a 2C warming target and then try to do a little better every five years.’ It’s just worthless words. There is no action, just promises. As long as fossil fuels appear to be the cheapest fuels out there, they will be continued to be burned.” | “It’s a fraud really, a fake,” he says, rubbing his head. “It’s just bullshit for them to say: ‘We’ll have a 2C warming target and then try to do a little better every five years.’ It’s just worthless words. There is no action, just promises. As long as fossil fuels appear to be the cheapest fuels out there, they will be continued to be burned.” |
| But he ends on a positive note: | But he ends on a positive note: |
| Hansen believes China, the world’s largest emitter, will now step up to provide the leadership lacking from the US. A submerged Fifth Avenue and deadly heatwaves aren’t an inevitability. | Hansen believes China, the world’s largest emitter, will now step up to provide the leadership lacking from the US. A submerged Fifth Avenue and deadly heatwaves aren’t an inevitability. |
| “I think we will get there because China is rational,” Hansen says. “Their leaders are mostly trained in engineering and such things, they don’t deny climate change and they have a huge incentive, which is air pollution. It’s so bad in their cities they need to move to clean energies. They realise it’s not a hoax. But they will need co-operation.” | “I think we will get there because China is rational,” Hansen says. “Their leaders are mostly trained in engineering and such things, they don’t deny climate change and they have a huge incentive, which is air pollution. It’s so bad in their cities they need to move to clean energies. They realise it’s not a hoax. But they will need co-operation.” |
| Related: James Hansen, father of climate change awareness, calls Paris talks 'a fraud' | Related: James Hansen, father of climate change awareness, calls Paris talks 'a fraud' |
| 12.57pm GMT | |
| 12:57 | |
| What's in the new text | What's in the new text |
| Nothing is in square brackets - denoting disagreement - in the text. | Nothing is in square brackets - denoting disagreement - in the text. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.28pm GMT | |
| 12.41pm GMT | |
| 12:41 | |
| Organisers of rallies in the French capital say there are more 10,000 people on the streets calling for a strong climate deal: | Organisers of rallies in the French capital say there are more 10,000 people on the streets calling for a strong climate deal: |
| If any press want high-res photos from #D12 action in #Paris you can find here: https://t.co/oXbynVOEif #COP21 pic.twitter.com/rfcAQbMtNt | If any press want high-res photos from #D12 action in #Paris you can find here: https://t.co/oXbynVOEif #COP21 pic.twitter.com/rfcAQbMtNt |
| 12.38pm GMT | |
| 12:38 | |
| Here’s the text: | Here’s the text: |
| 12.36pm GMT | |
| 12:36 | |
| Final draft climate text published | Final draft climate text published |
| The document that could become the Paris Agreement is now out. | The document that could become the Paris Agreement is now out. |
| 12.27pm GMT | |
| 12:27 | |
| The final draft - what Hollande said will later become the world’s first universal climate agreement - is due any minute now. | The final draft - what Hollande said will later become the world’s first universal climate agreement - is due any minute now. |
| After that, the next big moment is 3.45pm, when delegates meet here for the plenary where, it is hoped, the deal will be officially adopted. | After that, the next big moment is 3.45pm, when delegates meet here for the plenary where, it is hoped, the deal will be officially adopted. |
| 12.18pm GMT | |
| 12:18 | |
| Here’s a bit more of Ban, from the transcript of his address: | Here’s a bit more of Ban, from the transcript of his address: |
| I count on developed countries to provide financial resources for mitigation and adaptation, and to embark decisively on a low-emissions pathway. | I count on developed countries to provide financial resources for mitigation and adaptation, and to embark decisively on a low-emissions pathway. |
| And I ask all developing nations to play an increasingly active role, according to their capacities. | And I ask all developing nations to play an increasingly active role, according to their capacities. |
| And he finished: “I look forward to joining you later today to celebrate an agreement that will offer new hope for safety and prosperity for all on a healthy planet.” | And he finished: “I look forward to joining you later today to celebrate an agreement that will offer new hope for safety and prosperity for all on a healthy planet.” |
| 11.27am GMT | |
| 11:27 | |
| The text is coming at 1.30pm, not now | The text is coming at 1.30pm, not now |
| Fabius has just told delegates they should go grab lunch, because the text isn’t coming for another hour. | Fabius has just told delegates they should go grab lunch, because the text isn’t coming for another hour. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.28pm GMT | |
| 11.27am GMT | |
| 11:27 | |
| “Immediate action” has already been taken around the world because of the UN climate negotiations, he says, citing the roll-out of renewable energy. | “Immediate action” has already been taken around the world because of the UN climate negotiations, he says, citing the roll-out of renewable energy. |
| “History is coming, in fact history is here. All the conditions have been met, and they won’t always necessarily be here. We are in the home stretch... there will be no postponement... the decisive deal for the planet is here. | “History is coming, in fact history is here. All the conditions have been met, and they won’t always necessarily be here. We are in the home stretch... there will be no postponement... the decisive deal for the planet is here. |
| “All the nations of the world, it is up to you to decide this,” he says. | “All the nations of the world, it is up to you to decide this,” he says. |
| “On 12 December 2015 we can have a historic day, a major date to go down in the history of mankind.” | “On 12 December 2015 we can have a historic day, a major date to go down in the history of mankind.” |
| “The date can become a message of life,” he says. “I will be delighted, relived, proud, that it be launched from Paris, because Paris was attacked almost exactly a month ago. | “The date can become a message of life,” he says. “I will be delighted, relived, proud, that it be launched from Paris, because Paris was attacked almost exactly a month ago. |
| “So ladies and gentlemen, France asks you, calls upon you, to adopt the first universal agreement on climate,” he says. | “So ladies and gentlemen, France asks you, calls upon you, to adopt the first universal agreement on climate,” he says. |
| He tells delegates they have the chance to change the world, so the planet and mankind may live a long time … and finishes to much applause. | He tells delegates they have the chance to change the world, so the planet and mankind may live a long time … and finishes to much applause. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.29pm GMT | |
| 11.23am GMT | |
| 11:23 | |
| The only thing that now matters is to be right all together, he says. All the imperatives [of countries] could not be satisfied, not all the claims could be satisfied. | The only thing that now matters is to be right all together, he says. All the imperatives [of countries] could not be satisfied, not all the claims could be satisfied. |
| “But we will not be judged by a clause in a sentence, but a text,” he says. | “But we will not be judged by a clause in a sentence, but a text,” he says. |
| 11.21am GMT | |
| 11:21 | |
| Hollande: “What would all this shared time, this mulitple intitiatives, the will expressed by all continents, what would be the purpose of all this work, if it was not to result in a universal agreement that is differentiated and legally binding?” | Hollande: “What would all this shared time, this mulitple intitiatives, the will expressed by all continents, what would be the purpose of all this work, if it was not to result in a universal agreement that is differentiated and legally binding?” |
| “Do we want an agreement? An agreement that did not see the light of day in Copenhagen. The gridlock that for years was a great source of disappointment for all those who wanted the planet to have a future. This gridlock cast a pall of doubt on the international community.” | “Do we want an agreement? An agreement that did not see the light of day in Copenhagen. The gridlock that for years was a great source of disappointment for all those who wanted the planet to have a future. This gridlock cast a pall of doubt on the international community.” |
| He adds: “We have to take that last step.” | He adds: “We have to take that last step.” |
| The text is ambitious but also realistic, he says. It recognises differentation and review mechanisms which are “essential for credibility” of the agreement. | The text is ambitious but also realistic, he says. It recognises differentation and review mechanisms which are “essential for credibility” of the agreement. |
| “This text, if you decide, will be the first universal agreement of climate negotiations. | “This text, if you decide, will be the first universal agreement of climate negotiations. |
| “This will be a major leap for mankind,” he says. | “This will be a major leap for mankind,” he says. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.32pm GMT | |
| 11.18am GMT | |
| 11:18 | |
| Hollande is up now. | Hollande is up now. |
| “I know how persistent you have been in these past few months to make it possible for us to meet here in Paris,” he says to Ban. | “I know how persistent you have been in these past few months to make it possible for us to meet here in Paris,” he says to Ban. |
| To Fabius, he says: “Throughout the past months and even more in the past days you’ve played a considerable role to bring points of view closer together...” | To Fabius, he says: “Throughout the past months and even more in the past days you’ve played a considerable role to bring points of view closer together...” |
| To the UN climate chief, Christiana Figueres, he says: “I know what you also have done...” | To the UN climate chief, Christiana Figueres, he says: “I know what you also have done...” |
| Says delegates have worked hard and thanks them for working day and night. | Says delegates have worked hard and thanks them for working day and night. |
| 11.16am GMT | |
| 11:16 | |
| “I commend you all for submitting your national climate plans. The solutions to climate change are on the table, they are ours for the taking now. Let us grasp them,” says Ban. | “I commend you all for submitting your national climate plans. The solutions to climate change are on the table, they are ours for the taking now. Let us grasp them,” says Ban. |
| Says he looks forward to celebrating agreement later today, as he finishes to more applause. | Says he looks forward to celebrating agreement later today, as he finishes to more applause. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.32pm GMT | |
| 11.15am GMT | |
| 11:15 | |
| Ban says leaders delivered clear instructions to the Paris talks when they came in “unprecedented” numbers at its opening a fortnight ago. | Ban says leaders delivered clear instructions to the Paris talks when they came in “unprecedented” numbers at its opening a fortnight ago. |
| “The issues are many and complex, but we must not let the quest for perfection become the enemy of the public good.” | “The issues are many and complex, but we must not let the quest for perfection become the enemy of the public good.” |
| Asks delegates to continue in the same spirit of compromise they have pursued in the last two weeks. | Asks delegates to continue in the same spirit of compromise they have pursued in the last two weeks. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.33pm GMT | |
| 11.14am GMT | |
| 11:14 | |
| Ban is repeating his message from Friday that countries’ national interests will not be served if they ignore the collective interest. | Ban is repeating his message from Friday that countries’ national interests will not be served if they ignore the collective interest. |
| 11.13am GMT | |
| 11:13 | |
| Ban Ki-moon is speaking now. | Ban Ki-moon is speaking now. |
| We have come to a defining moment on a long journey that dates back decades. | We have come to a defining moment on a long journey that dates back decades. |
| The document with which you have just been presented, is historic. It promises to set the world on a new path, to a low emissions, climate resilient future. | The document with which you have just been presented, is historic. It promises to set the world on a new path, to a low emissions, climate resilient future. |
| Let us now finish the job. The whole world is watching. | Let us now finish the job. The whole world is watching. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.34pm GMT | |
| 11.12am GMT | |
| 11:12 | |
| Suzanne Goldenberg | Suzanne Goldenberg |
| There is a very serious atmosphere in the room now as Fabius outlines the costs of rejecting the deal: “Our children of the world would not understand us, nor would they forgive us.” | There is a very serious atmosphere in the room now as Fabius outlines the costs of rejecting the deal: “Our children of the world would not understand us, nor would they forgive us.” |
| Updated | |
| at 12.33pm GMT | |
| 11.11am GMT | |
| 11:11 | |
| Fabius finishes to applause: | Fabius finishes to applause: |
| To conclude, one of us the other day reminded us of Nelson Mandela’s sentence: it always seems impossible until it’s done. | To conclude, one of us the other day reminded us of Nelson Mandela’s sentence: it always seems impossible until it’s done. |
| I wish to add some other words to that, words spoken by the same hero: | I wish to add some other words to that, words spoken by the same hero: |
| None of us acting alone can be successful. Success is built collectively. In this room you are going to be deciding upon a historic agreement. The world is holding its breath. It’s counting on all of us. | None of us acting alone can be successful. Success is built collectively. In this room you are going to be deciding upon a historic agreement. The world is holding its breath. It’s counting on all of us. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.34pm GMT | |
| 11.09am GMT | |
| 11:09 | |
| Fiona Harvey | Fiona Harvey |
| Ségolène Royal, former rival of Fabius for the presidential nomination, smiles as he announces the text on issues such as climate justice and emissions in a balance that is powerful but delicate and will enable each country to leave Paris with their heads held high. | Ségolène Royal, former rival of Fabius for the presidential nomination, smiles as he announces the text on issues such as climate justice and emissions in a balance that is powerful but delicate and will enable each country to leave Paris with their heads held high. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.35pm GMT | |
| 11.09am GMT | |
| 11:09 | |
| Fabius: Paris deal is a historic turning point | Fabius: Paris deal is a historic turning point |
| “We all worked a great deal, we didn’t sleep very much, several ministers, facillitators, worked to reach a deal, a compromise. | “We all worked a great deal, we didn’t sleep very much, several ministers, facillitators, worked to reach a deal, a compromise. |
| “At each stage the objective was to bring us closer to the agreement we desire. Parties were consulted on best method and substance to bring us closer to a deal,” he says. | “At each stage the objective was to bring us closer to the agreement we desire. Parties were consulted on best method and substance to bring us closer to a deal,” he says. |
| “Today we are close to the final outcome. It is my deep conviction that we have come up with an ambitious and balanced agreement. | “Today we are close to the final outcome. It is my deep conviction that we have come up with an ambitious and balanced agreement. |
| “This text which is necesarily a balanced text, contains the principle elements that we feel or did feel before would be impossible to agree. The agreement is fair, durable, balanced and legally binding. It is faithful to the Durban mandate. It acknoweldges the notion of climate justice and takes into account differentiated responsibilites of countries.” | “This text which is necesarily a balanced text, contains the principle elements that we feel or did feel before would be impossible to agree. The agreement is fair, durable, balanced and legally binding. It is faithful to the Durban mandate. It acknoweldges the notion of climate justice and takes into account differentiated responsibilites of countries.” |
| He says the deal has the objective of keeping temperatures well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and would endeavour to work towards 1.5C. The mention of the tough 1.5C goal gets applause. | He says the deal has the objective of keeping temperatures well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and would endeavour to work towards 1.5C. The mention of the tough 1.5C goal gets applause. |
| The reduciton of greenhouse gases has become the business of all, thanks to updates of pledges every five years which can only be more ambitious, he says. | The reduciton of greenhouse gases has become the business of all, thanks to updates of pledges every five years which can only be more ambitious, he says. |
| The text recognises the need for compensation under loss and damage, and more help for adaptation, he says. | The text recognises the need for compensation under loss and damage, and more help for adaptation, he says. |
| “It provides that every five years there will be a collective stocktaking of progress made,” he says. | “It provides that every five years there will be a collective stocktaking of progress made,” he says. |
| “This text will mark a historic turning point” in tackling emissions, he says. | “This text will mark a historic turning point” in tackling emissions, he says. |
| Each party put forward its own red lines. Each country will not get everything it wanted, he says. “If every country had 100% of its wishlist fulfilled our collective efforts would have amounted to zero,” he says. | Each party put forward its own red lines. Each country will not get everything it wanted, he says. “If every country had 100% of its wishlist fulfilled our collective efforts would have amounted to zero,” he says. |
| “We need to show the world our collective effort is worth more than the sum of our individual actions. | “We need to show the world our collective effort is worth more than the sum of our individual actions. |
| “We have come to focus not on the red lines but on green lines of universal commitment,” he says. | “We have come to focus not on the red lines but on green lines of universal commitment,” he says. |
| The deal will help island countries protect themselves from sea-level rise, which is already beginning to submerge their coastlines. | The deal will help island countries protect themselves from sea-level rise, which is already beginning to submerge their coastlines. |
| It will also help food security, human rights and the maintenance of peace, he says. | It will also help food security, human rights and the maintenance of peace, he says. |
| “Here in Paris there is a certain momentum, particularly in connection with mobilising civil society,” he says. “This is a positive environment, this type of planetary configuration has never been as good as today. Our responsbility to history is immense.” | “Here in Paris there is a certain momentum, particularly in connection with mobilising civil society,” he says. “This is a positive environment, this type of planetary configuration has never been as good as today. Our responsbility to history is immense.” |
| No one here wants a repetition of what happened in Copenhagen, he says. There were many inadequacies in Copenhagen. | No one here wants a repetition of what happened in Copenhagen, he says. There were many inadequacies in Copenhagen. |
| “Today, if we were to fail, how could we rebuild this hope,” he says. Trust among countries would be lost “irrevocably”. | “Today, if we were to fail, how could we rebuild this hope,” he says. Trust among countries would be lost “irrevocably”. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.43pm GMT | |
| 10.57am GMT | |
| 10:57 | |
| During this Paris conference we wanted the conditions in which we hosted and prepared the agreement to be as good possible, he says. | During this Paris conference we wanted the conditions in which we hosted and prepared the agreement to be as good possible, he says. |
| Ambition, transparency and compromise are spirit of talks here at Paris, he says. | Ambition, transparency and compromise are spirit of talks here at Paris, he says. |
| Says head of state brought “dynamism” to talks. | Says head of state brought “dynamism” to talks. |
| 10.54am GMT | |
| 10:54 | |
| Fabius starts. | Fabius starts. |
| We are almost at the end of the path and no doubt embarking on another. | We are almost at the end of the path and no doubt embarking on another. |
| I wish to thank you, all of you for you work not just over the last few days and nights, but over the last few months and years. | I wish to thank you, all of you for you work not just over the last few days and nights, but over the last few months and years. |
| The draft final outcome submitted to you this morning and which will be distributed at the end of this meeting owes a great deal to the progress made here at Paris. | The draft final outcome submitted to you this morning and which will be distributed at the end of this meeting owes a great deal to the progress made here at Paris. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.55am GMT | |
| 10.50am GMT | |
| 10:50 | |
| Hollande has arrived - the key players are now taking the stage, to applause. The president and Fabius are clapping too. | Hollande has arrived - the key players are now taking the stage, to applause. The president and Fabius are clapping too. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.43pm GMT | |
| 10.49am GMT | |
| 10:49 | |
| US secretary of state, John Kerry, has arrived, while the so-called ‘coalition of high ambition’ (more on that here) has symbolically entered the room together. Ban Ki-moon is here now too. | US secretary of state, John Kerry, has arrived, while the so-called ‘coalition of high ambition’ (more on that here) has symbolically entered the room together. Ban Ki-moon is here now too. |
| High-ambition coalition--including US climate envoy Todd Stern-- walks to #cop21 plenary together. pic.twitter.com/0qrzgz4NQM | High-ambition coalition--including US climate envoy Todd Stern-- walks to #cop21 plenary together. pic.twitter.com/0qrzgz4NQM |
| 10.43am GMT | |
| 10:43 | |
| Next text has reportedly been slimmed down | Next text has reportedly been slimmed down |
| The text about to be presented will be 20 pages long, AP reports. | The text about to be presented will be 20 pages long, AP reports. |
| That’s seven shorter – good news – than the last draft presented on Thursday night: | That’s seven shorter – good news – than the last draft presented on Thursday night: |
| 10.36am GMT | |
| 10:36 | |
| We’re just waiting for the Paris Committee, which Fabius heads, to begin here at Le Bourget, where the final draft text is expected imminently. | We’re just waiting for the Paris Committee, which Fabius heads, to begin here at Le Bourget, where the final draft text is expected imminently. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.40am GMT | |
| 9.49am GMT | |
| 09:49 | |
| Huge climate rally planned at Eiffel Tower | Huge climate rally planned at Eiffel Tower |
| Climate campaigners have a series of protests planned today, as a draft deal is unveiled. | Climate campaigners have a series of protests planned today, as a draft deal is unveiled. |
| At 11am, thousands are expected to group together in tiny groups across the French capital, “playing in the grey area of the interdiction” of the authorities’ ban on large demonstrations following the 13 November attacks. They will appear on an online map, too. | At 11am, thousands are expected to group together in tiny groups across the French capital, “playing in the grey area of the interdiction” of the authorities’ ban on large demonstrations following the 13 November attacks. They will appear on an online map, too. |
| At noon, 350.org plans a ‘red lines’ in the city. More on that later. | At noon, 350.org plans a ‘red lines’ in the city. More on that later. |
| At 2pm, a “huge” rally is planned of up to 10,000 people near the Eiffel Tower. “We’ve had a two week fight with government showing our determination to mobilise, and on Friday they authorised our protest,” Malika Peyraut of Friends of the Earth International France tells me. I’ve not had verification myself from the French authorities that the rally has been approved. | At 2pm, a “huge” rally is planned of up to 10,000 people near the Eiffel Tower. “We’ve had a two week fight with government showing our determination to mobilise, and on Friday they authorised our protest,” Malika Peyraut of Friends of the Earth International France tells me. I’ve not had verification myself from the French authorities that the rally has been approved. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.07am GMT | |
| 9.26am GMT | |
| 09:26 | |
| Here are some photographs from inside the summit: | Here are some photographs from inside the summit: |
| .@AmberRudd_MP, EU Commissioner Cañete @MAC_europa and US Special Envoy Todd Stern work on key elements of #COP21 pic.twitter.com/mBWFojLHxi | .@AmberRudd_MP, EU Commissioner Cañete @MAC_europa and US Special Envoy Todd Stern work on key elements of #COP21 pic.twitter.com/mBWFojLHxi |
| French hosts handing out postcards here at what looks like final day of #COP21 pic.twitter.com/NJlhwYdHsu | French hosts handing out postcards here at what looks like final day of #COP21 pic.twitter.com/NJlhwYdHsu |
| And elsewhere in the French capital: | And elsewhere in the French capital: |
| .@revbillytalen just gave his sermon to kick of #D12. Earthalujah! #redlines #cop21 #IceWatchParis pic.twitter.com/4PjybrX37S | .@revbillytalen just gave his sermon to kick of #D12. Earthalujah! #redlines #cop21 #IceWatchParis pic.twitter.com/4PjybrX37S |
| 9.03am GMT | |
| 09:03 | |
| Suzanne Goldenberg | Suzanne Goldenberg |
| Negotiators from some of the world’s poorest countries said they were feeling optimistic about the deal – which is still officially under wraps. | Negotiators from some of the world’s poorest countries said they were feeling optimistic about the deal – which is still officially under wraps. |
| But they said it contained some of the key demands for the vulnerable states on the frontlines of climate change: the inclusion of the high aspiration goal of limiting warming to 1.5C as well as a road map for how to get there; commitments for regular review of emissions targets at five-year intervals; and pledges of ‘new and additional’ climate finance from rich countries. | But they said it contained some of the key demands for the vulnerable states on the frontlines of climate change: the inclusion of the high aspiration goal of limiting warming to 1.5C as well as a road map for how to get there; commitments for regular review of emissions targets at five-year intervals; and pledges of ‘new and additional’ climate finance from rich countries. |
| According to the bloc of Least Developed Countries which represents those states with annual per capita income of below $900, there was even a mechanism for addressing the question of those countries which face irreversible losses under climate change, or “loss and damage” in negotiator speak. | According to the bloc of Least Developed Countries which represents those states with annual per capita income of below $900, there was even a mechanism for addressing the question of those countries which face irreversible losses under climate change, or “loss and damage” in negotiator speak. |
| Giza Gaspar Martins, who heads the bloc, said poor countries expected to see a section for loss and damage within the agreement – along with the language the US is demanding to rule out the possibility of future law suits against the US government. | Giza Gaspar Martins, who heads the bloc, said poor countries expected to see a section for loss and damage within the agreement – along with the language the US is demanding to rule out the possibility of future law suits against the US government. |
| “There is a commitment from the presidency [Laurent Fabius] and parties to resolve this in the final text, so we are confident that there will be consensus reached on this issue,” he said in a statement. | “There is a commitment from the presidency [Laurent Fabius] and parties to resolve this in the final text, so we are confident that there will be consensus reached on this issue,” he said in a statement. |
| He praised the French hosts for their negotiating style. | He praised the French hosts for their negotiating style. |
| Giza added: “The Least Developed Countries thank the COP presidency for reaching out to groups for informal consultations. We trust that this transparency and inclusiveness will continue in the closing hours and that we will be included in all consultations and considerations until the adoption of the Paris climate agreement.” | Giza added: “The Least Developed Countries thank the COP presidency for reaching out to groups for informal consultations. We trust that this transparency and inclusiveness will continue in the closing hours and that we will be included in all consultations and considerations until the adoption of the Paris climate agreement.” |
| 8.43am GMT | |
| 08:43 | |
| Good morning from north-east Paris. Excitement is building here as around 20,000 delegates at the COP21 climate summit await the final draft of a deal to tackle dangerous global warming. | Good morning from north-east Paris. Excitement is building here as around 20,000 delegates at the COP21 climate summit await the final draft of a deal to tackle dangerous global warming. |
| Negotiators have worked through the night for several days now, to hash out their differences (here’s a little more detail on those sticking points). At 6.45am on Saturday, officials and ministers settled on the final text of a climate deal, which is now with ‘scrubber’ teams of lawyers and translators before it’s due to be published at 11.30am. | Negotiators have worked through the night for several days now, to hash out their differences (here’s a little more detail on those sticking points). At 6.45am on Saturday, officials and ministers settled on the final text of a climate deal, which is now with ‘scrubber’ teams of lawyers and translators before it’s due to be published at 11.30am. |
| In a sign of how important the deal is seen, French president François Hollande will stand alongside UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, when the text is presented. The questions then are how strong and ambitious the deal is, and how long will it take 195 governments here to officially adopt it. | In a sign of how important the deal is seen, French president François Hollande will stand alongside UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, when the text is presented. The questions then are how strong and ambitious the deal is, and how long will it take 195 governments here to officially adopt it. |
| We’ll be covering it all live here. Our latest news story is here. | We’ll be covering it all live here. Our latest news story is here. |
| Here’s a brief recap of what’s happened so far: | Here’s a brief recap of what’s happened so far: |
| And this is our at-a-glance guide to the latest round of UN climate negotiations, which have been underway for more than two decades. | And this is our at-a-glance guide to the latest round of UN climate negotiations, which have been underway for more than two decades. |
| All times local (CET). | All times local (CET). |
| Updated | |
| at 8.51am GMT |