After lengthy negotiations, more than 190 countries at the climate conference in Lima agreed on a minimalist text. A look at what was achieved, and what was not.
What should count as ‘contributions’ in INDCs
Countries’ position
Only mitigation actions, say developed countries. Developing countries demand the full range – adaptation, technology transfer, finance, capacity building
Outcome
No decision. Says all of these “shall” be addressed “in a balanced manner” by the agreement to be arrived at in Paris
Climate finance
Countries’ position
Developing Countries want the developed world to provide money to the poorer and vulnerable countries to adjust to climate change
Outcome
No mention of this provision
Assessment of INDCs
Countries’ position
India, US and many others not in favour of any assessment, EU strongly favours it
Outcome
Only a “synthesis report” on the aggregate effect of INDCs to be prepared
CBDR
Countries’ position
Developing countries strongly in favour of differentiation
Outcome
Finds an explicit mention but with the caveat that this should be done “in light of different national circumstances”
Loss and damages
Countries’ position
Developing countries want support for loss and damages arising out of any event attributable to climate change
Outcome
Not there in earlier texts but included in final outcome in the preamble
Pre-2020 emission reduction
Countries’ position
Developing countries want the rich nations to enhance their emission reduction targets in the period before 2020
Outcome
“Reiterates its resolve” to enhance ambition
“This is not the best text that we could have had. But it is certainly the best that we could have secured in the circumstances.”-Prakash Javadekar, Environment Minister
“Although the EU wanted a more ambitious outcome from Lima, we believe that we are on track to agree a global deal in Paris next year.”-Miguel Arias Canete, EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy
