Addressing the media at the end of the first week of the conference, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer spoke of an important step-change in the negotiating process. This follows the tabling of new texts this morning by the Chairs of the negotiating tracks under Kyoto Protocol and the Convention that provide the framework for an agreed outcome.
He said it is now time to focus on the big picture – namely, a shared vision on long-term cooperative action and what the long-term goal will be.
This shared vision includes how to capture important issues such as emissions targets and the mobilization of short- and long-term finance in an agreed outcome.
The news of a commitment by Europe to provide 2.4 billion euros a year over three years in short-term finance will be a huge encouragement to the process, he said, adding that it remains to be seen what other developed countries will put on the table.