The clock has tickled down to zero – Boer

As the world gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark to begin deliberation on how best to address the challenges of climate change, Mr Yvo de Boer, executive Secretary, United Nation framework Convention on Climate change (UNFCCC) has warmed that the clock has tickled down to zero.

``The clock has tickled down to zero. After two years of negotiations, the time has come to deliver,’’ he told delegates at the opening of the 15th Conference of parties to the UNFCCC.

Boer said that the time to come up with an acceptable agreement that must have three layers has come.

``The bottom layer must consist of an agreement on prompt implementation of action on mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology, REED and capacity building.

The second layer consists of ambitious emission reduction commitments and actions. It also include commitments on start-up finance in order of 10 billion US dollars per years as well as long term finance,

The third layer, or the icing on the cake consists of a shared vision on long term cooperative action on climate change and long-term goal,’’ Boer said.

He maintained that Copenhagen would only be a success if it delivered significant and immediate action.

``Developing countries desperately need tangible and immediate action on issues that would cushion the impact of climate change,’’ he added.

``The time for formal statement is over. The time for restating well-known position is past. The time has come to reach out to each other.’’