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In Bonn, where delegates from different countries are gathered to work on the commitments regarding climate change, the future of the Paris agreement is being questioned. The Trump administration wants to review its commitment when the protection of climate seems to be left behind. However, climate change has never been more visible, especially with drought and famine hitting several African countries. Salaheddine Mezouar, President of the COP22 remains optimistic.
Morocco is present in Bonn represented by the president of the COP22. What is the main message you are bringing to the event ?
Morocco’s main objective as a president of the COP22 in Bonn is to preserve the momentum initiated during the COP in Marrakech and bring the points of view together. This includes a tracking agreement and establishing a roadmap. To sum it up, we would like to move from «negotiating» to «acting».
Today, the main challenges are the financing and the reinforcing of capacities to achieve the implementation of the Paris agreement by all countries, particularly developing ones.
COP22 was organized in Africa at a time when its population is suffering from drought and famine. Is Africa still at the center of concern ?
Indeed, the role of Morocco consists in putting Africa at the forefront of climate issues. The COP22 was also the COP of Africa just like COP23 which will be the COP of insular countries. Morocco has also worked with African countries to structure priorities. This was particularly highlighted at the African Summit preceding the COP in Marrakech. For the record, three main themes were discussed : The Sahel Commission, presided by Niger and which prioritized the region’s projects, The Congo Basin Commission, led by Congo with project identification, Development of the Blue Fund and the African Island States Commission chaired by the Seychelles, which developed an action plan.
I would like to stress the fact that Morocco’s know-how was acknowleged by all African countries. COP22 shouldn’t be a COP of transition. We have to avoid loosening and work on the program set for 2020. This is a vital issue for Africa.
What is the future of the Paris agreement after the blocage of Washington and the Trump administration ?
This is a challenging moment for us where two camps are opposed to the United States. Let's say it bluntly : there are lobbyists who have interests in this sense. But there is also the other side that remains committed to the commitments made in favor of climate protection like the public opinion in the United States. Let us not forget that 140 states and 300 cities are already engaged in programs in this direction.
So you prefer to remain optimistic ...
Look, Morocco is a reassuring presidency. This is why the Kingdom was appointed co-chair of the Paris Committee. We must be committed to action and not bog down in discussions around concessions and declining commitments.
