Lima climate talks crucial stepping stone towards 2015 agreement

The European Union expects the UN climate change conference from 1-12 December in Lima, Peru, to pave the way for the adoption of a new, legally binding, global climate agreement in Paris next year. The EU is confident that the new agreement will significantly strengthen and broaden collective international efforts to tackle climate change. The at least 40% greenhouse gas reduction target agreed by EU leaders in October, together with the announcement by the US and China on their future targets that followed, are clear evidence of global resolve.

The EU will be represented in Lima by Gian Luca Galletti, Minister of Environment for Italy, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU, and Miguel Arias Cañete, EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy.

Commissioner Arias Cañete said: "Lima is a crucial stepping stone to Paris, where we have an historic opportunity to tackle the greatest challenge facing our planet today. The final deal in Paris must mirror today's economic realities. That means we need every major economy to play its part. Europe was the first to act by announcing our own target. China and the US were quick to respond. Now we are looking to the other big emitters to join us. The clock is ticking; it's time for action."

Read more:

• IP/14/2232 - Lima climate talks crucial stepping stone towards 2015 agreement
• MEMO/14/2230 - Questions and Answers on the UN climate change conference in Lima
• Lima climate change conference (COP 20 / CMP 10)
• On the road to Paris 2015: Examples of EU policies, legislation and initiatives to fight climate change
• International climate negotiations