Young people and environment activists from across the world took a stand, refusing to accept the prospect of a toothless treaty from leaders that claim to represent them. With their future under threat, young people are made their presence felt and their voices heard at the UN climate talks in Durban, South Africa. As climate talks heated up , some nations were still uncertain about extending the Kyoto Protocol (KP), which is set to expire at the end of 2012.
This treaty – the only treaty ever to commit nations to legally binding targets on greenhouse gas emissions – provides essential stability for continued action on climate change. A void in international agreements could prove fatal for people and communities across the planet. Young people are calling for a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol to be implemented immediately to provide a bridge to a new, more comprehensive climate treaty by 2015.
A second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol is essential. The leaders of polluting nations have run out of excuses. We are running out of time too. We need a legally binding agreement now to ensure a safe future for us and future generations. The Durban Package signals recognition that the world’s governments will purposely and comprehensively address the causes of climate change.
The final agreement that will involve all countries have to ensure that climate change mitigation measures are sufficient to meet the goal of keeping global temperature rise below 2°C.