Opening plenary report

On 16 May 2013 the first day of Model UNFCCC in Barcelona began. The plenary session started with the foreword of the CEMS authorities at ESADE. The presidents opened the plenary session by introducing rules of opening statements and speeches.  Participants of the sessions are presidents, chairs, senior advisors including Rolf Wüstenhagen as Hiroshi Fukuyama, Gyula Zilahy, Steve Kennedy and Benjamin Tischler, and distinguished delegates from all the representative countries.

Mr. Fukuyama gave a speech on his involvement in the climate change negotiations. He has been involved since 1997. Outcomes of COP in 2009 were not sufficient. Much remains to be done. Pressure has mounted due to droughts in the US, floodings in Australia and rising threats for Small Island States.  Targets are ambitious but possible.  “I wish we can follow this spirit of Kyoto. I hope our children will be proud of what we achieved.” said Hiroshi Fukuyama.
Chosen opening statements:

We are already strongly affected by climate change - Australia

Climate change is happening today - Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh

Immediate steps need to be taken. CDMs should be improved - Brazil

We need to tackle problem on the global scale. Reaching agreement on energy issues will be hard but as a Chinese proverb says "During the hurricane even turtles can fly" - China

We cannot commit to significant reductions due to Fukushima tragedy- Japan

Will you let people drown in the front of your eyes? - Maldives

We want to continue our leadership in combating climate change - UK

All countries stressed the need to create legally binding agreements, especially regarding financing, technological transfer and social aspects.