Is the G77, which represents the developing countries (LDCs) in the climate negotiations, about to break apart? This could happen, given the increasingly diverging interests of the large emerging countries – China, India and Brazil – which until recently set the tone for the G77 as a whole, and those of the least developed countries, mainly the African and small island states. Africa recently made its distinct voice heard. Delegates from 53 African countries signalled their discontent by practising the ‘empty chair policy’ for 24 hours at the Barcelona preparatory meeting, on 4 November, to express their anger over the developed countries’ failure to act and refusal to make a commitment on emissions reduction targets and financing for the LDCs.

In a joint declaration adopted in Nairobi, in May 2009 ⁽¹⁾, the African environment ministers highlight the particularly vulnerable nature of their countries and their deep concern over the harmful effects of climate change. They confirm their attachment to the Kyoto process and seek a “coherent, solid, fair and legally binding” agreement that takes account of the priorities of the African countries. They call on the developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2020, and by 80% to 95% by 2050 and stress the concept of ‘common but differentiated’ responsibility. South Africa, which is considered an emerging country, but has a growth rate well below that of China or India, admits that it too could have to make an effort, but like the other emerging countries rejects any quantified and binding commitment.

The African countries note that they should be “equitably compensated for environmental, social and economic losses” and call on the developed states to respect their commitments. They urge the developed world to release adequate financing to help them build societies that are more resilient to climate change and manage risks and to help them pursue low-carbon economic development. They attach importance to “international” management of the funds made available, either through the Global Environment Facility or through any other fund set up under the new agreement.

Lastly, the developing countries seek a revision and improvement of the Clean Development Mechanism to ensure equitable geographical distribution of projects and the creation of an equivalent instrument that takes account of agricultural and forestry activities, land use and efforts to combat deforestation, known as REDD (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation).