Global leaders convene at climate talks amid doubt over US engagement

Dozens of heads of state and government were scheduled to address delegates at UN climate talks in Marrakesh, amid continued concern over the impact of the US election outcome.
A report on Tuesday said the concern was fueled by the US President-elect, Donald Trump, stands on global warming.
Trump has dismissed global warming as a “hoax” concocted by China and promised to “cancel” US involvement in a global agreement adopted in Paris last year to keep the planet’s temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Secretary General, said at a news conference in Marrakesh that he had spoken with the president-elect on the importance of climate change.
Ki-Moon expressed confidence that once Trump takes office he would understand the urgency of the potential catastrophe and re-evaluate his campaign remarks.
Ban said: “I believe that he understands that there are market forces already at work on this issue, and that we need to harness these forces for good of the planet and all the species in this planet.”
Jonathan Pershing, Head of the US delegation, has also tried to quell concerns, underscoring current US President Barack Obama’s commitment to fighting climate change.
He, however, said the Trump transition team had not yet been in touch on the issue.
Pershing noted that China said it would move forward with the Paris Agreement.
Pershing said: “It doesn’t surprise me. Frankly the deal was struck on the basis of national circumstances and agreements by nations of activities in their interests. Of course they are going to move forward.”
Meanwhile, delegates from many countries and the European Union have reiterated their support for continued climate action, and their intention to fulfill the emissions reductions plans they published as part of the Paris Agreement.
Barbara Hendricks, Germany’s Environment Minister, said she saw a particular responsibility for Europe following Trump’s election.
Hendricks said: “I am strongly convinced that Europe must fill the gaps that the US is now leaving behind.
“We as Europe must find close collaboration with China.”
Global carbon emissions over the past three years have remained largely steady after increasing over the first part of the century, according to a study released earlier this week.
She said much of the slowing in emissions growth is due to reduced emissions from China and a rollback in coal production in the US.
Hendricks said at the same time, the World Meteorological Organisation has said that data points to 2016 being the warmest year for the planet on record.
China has promised to adhere strictly to its objectives, policies, approaches and actions in addressing climate change.
Xie Zhenhua, China’s special representative on climate change affairs said at the meeting that China would stay unswervingly consistent with its strong commitment to combating climate change.
Zhenhua said; “Actions and implementation in line with the Paris Agreement requires a global effort, and China is active in continuing cooperation with all parties involved.”
Zhenhua said to fulfill its commitment to the agreement, China would cut its carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 60 to 65 per cent by 2030 from the 2005 levels, and peak its carbon emissions by 2030.
He said the country would increase non-fossil fuel sources in primary energy consumption to about 20 per cent, and increased the forest stock volume by 4.5 billion cubic meters.
Zhenhua said: “China is the first developing country to set up a national carbon emissions trading market based on its seven pilots that are running now.
“And it is promoting cooperation with Japan and South Korea on EST for an all-win mechanism.”
He also praised cooperation mechanism among the three Asian countries in the fields of low-carbon and circular economy, promoting collaboration on moving ahead on a practical level to facilitate an important regional carbon market.