From November 30 to December 11 2015, France will be hosting the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change (COP21) also known as the “2015 Paris Climate Change Conference”. Tuesday December 1st is the Africa Day featuring high level events in presence of many African head of states, including His Excellency, the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama.
The COP21 is crucial because it must result in an international climate agreement enabling us to limit global warming to below 2°C. It will be necessary to reach a certain number of decisions in December 2015, building on the work carried out at COP20 in Lima.
Firstly, an ambitious, binding agreement on climate change that applies to all countries.
Secondly, intended national determined contributions (iNDC) representing the investment that each country feels able to make.
Climate finance will also be a crucial component; in this regard, a milestone has been reached with the initial capitalization of the Green Climate Fund, amounting to $9.3 billion, including nearly $1 billion from France.
Lastly, local and regional initiatives developed by local governments, civil society organizations and businesses will boost mobilization and supplement the contributions made by states.
As President of the COP 21, France has a particular responsibility and undertakes to support negotiations. This involves taking into account the positions of the 196 Signatory States placed on an equal footing, bringing viewpoints closer together and enabling the unanimous adoption of an agreement, and the formation of a real “Paris Alliance”.
