Durban climate talks: the verdict

Reactions to the UN climate talks at Durban have been varied. Some have focused on the political victory - achieving an agreement that included the US, China and India. Others describe it as a failure because any deal made will not come into force until 20120,  and will not be enough to prevent a 2C temperature rise.

Here is some of the coverage.

The Economist: Durban and everything that matters [1]

'So, the global climate change conference in Durban surprised most everyone and managed to pull out a deal at the last minute... This seems to indicate that something in the politics of climate change may have shifted a bit.'

The Week: Durban: at last, US, India and China agree to act on climate [2]

'The fact that the US has agreed to legally binding cuts is significant...Critics of yesterday's agreement believe we are still on course for a catastrophic 4C increase in global temperatures.'

The Guardian: Hope at last at the Durban conference on climate change [3]

'So does Durban save us from global warming? No. In itself, as green NGOs have rightly pointed out, it does not divert the world from the dangerous path towards a four degree temperature rise on which we are now walking. But it will help strengthen the fight against it.'

Oxfam International blogs: Winners and losers in the Durban climate deal [4]
'The deal struck does little to meet the needs of poor people fighting climate change right now, and risks blurring important distinctions between the responsibilities to act of developed and developing countries.'

Christian Aid: Durban disappointment - the fight goes on [5]

'The talks have delayed action to cut emissions until 2020 – this is just too late for people and planet... As Nelson Mandela said, it always seems impossible until it's done. It wasn't done at Durban but the fight continues.

World Council of Churches statement: Durban outcome is not enough, says WCC [6]

'The overall Durban outcome is far from being enough to respond to the currently disappearing countries and future generations...We need to listen to vulnerable countries and populations, and think of the legacy we are leaving to our children. Churches should continue to act and pray.'

Standard story details

Standard Image: 

cop17.jpg [7]