Hon Speaker, climate change represents one of the greatest examples of global injustice where the actions of wealthy countries are going to have disastrous impacts on the world's poor. Therefore, COP 17 is vital to reach an agreement; we are running out of time with regard to this issue.
Furthermore, this event can be used as a good branding exercise for South Africa to present us as a modern forward-thinking country that will play its role in stabilising the world's climate. We have the responsibility to lead the world towards a binding climate agreement that will prevent the world's average temperature rising by more than 2C.
However, there are countries in the world, particularly developed countries, which are reluctant to sign any agreement that does not bind China as well. My question, therefore, is whether South Africa will continue to insist on a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol for developed countries. If so, how will you go about achieving this? If these countries do not ultimately agree to an extension of the Kyoto Protocol, how will you negotiate in an attempt to bring about a new climate framework? I thank you.