National statement delivered at the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference in Bali, by Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, South Africa

Mr President

South Africa associates itself with the statement by Pakistan on behalf of G77 and China. In 1992, when the convention was negotiated, there was some scientific uncertainty about the link between climate change and human activity.

In the face of this uncertainty, the convention was negotiated as a framework that enables the international community to agree on future action as the science improves or new tools and technologies become available.

As a framework the convention only establishes the 'Rules of the Game' to guide our future collective action. It sets the long term goal, determines the key principles, and identifies the main areas of work. But it does not specify exactly what action should be taken, and how.

Therefore, in 1995, when the 2nd Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report gave us more scientific certainty, this august body took decisive action and developed a new legal instrument, the Kyoto Protocol, under this framework.

Mr President

Today, some 12 years later, we are faced with alarming and overwhelming scientific findings from the fourth Assessment Report. As in 1995, we now, once again, have to take control of our common future. As the leading policy-makers on the environment, our key task here in Bali is to take decisive action to give further concrete and substantial content to the Framework Convention.

The climate challenge is urgent and global. The Bali Roadmap must deliver a strengthened and effective multilateral climate regime. This regime should galvanise deep reductions in emissions for developed countries, and enable developing countries to leap-frog to a low carbon-intensity growth path.

If we want to conclude our negotiations on a strengthened climate regime by the end of 2009, we must agree this week on the form and shape of the Bali Roadmap. This roadmap must raise the bar for all.

Some of our partners say that we will not get a climate deal without developing countries. Let's be clear on that: As a developing country we will take ambitious mitigation action. South Africa will contribute its fair share towards our common responsibility for the future. Our actions will be measurable, reportable and verifiable. Given the urgency indicated by science, there is no longer a plausible excuse for inaction by any country.

Mr President, science tells us that emissions must peak in the next 10 to 15 years, and then be reduced by half of 2000 levels by 2050. Towards this end, the Bali Roadmap must signal the resolve of developed countries to reduce their emissions by at least 25 to 40% below 1990 levels by 2 020. Comparable commitments by all Annex I Parties, including those who have not ratified Kyoto, will be imperative.

President, in conclusion, achieving climate stability and sustainable development in an equitable way requires individual nations to rise above short term self-interest for the benefit of the long term global public good. We must all act with a greater sense of urgency. We have different responsibilities for the past, and we should all take common responsibility for the future. South Africa stands ready.

Finally President, let me emphasise that women are particularly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. Yesterday the Network of Women Ministers for the Environment adopted a statement that should receive our active and resourced support. We encourage the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to develop a gender strategy as part of our work going forward.

Thank you

Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
12 December 2007