Fatalism is not an option

Beyond frequent lamentations and catastrophic assessments, the essential parameters of a general framework as identified at the UN high-level meeting in New York include, among others, enhanced leadership by the industrialised countries on emission reductions; incentives for developing countries to act, but without sacrificing economic growth or poverty reduction, and fully consistent with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities; significantly increased support for adaptation in developing countries, especially for least developed and small island states; strengthened technology development and dissemination; and new approaches to financing.

An important journey for finding solutions to these problems will begin at a UN Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia (3-14 December 2007). It has to set a roadmap for negotiating global pollution cuts to be implemented after 2012, when the Kyoto Protocol expires. A new comprehensive legal instrument must also be drafted, negotiated and completed for adoption by 2009 or 2010, so that all potential signatories can ratify it in time.

On to Bali

''Nature, time and patience are the three great physicians,'' teaches an old Chinese proverb. This wisdom should be revalidated.

Is there sufficient determination to break with the past and act decisively in Bali?

Answering this question will be a great test for negotiators. Firstly, the conference should launch a round of negotiations for an agreement leading to win-win situations for all, which must advance cooperation to stabilise emissions and promote alternative energy sources.

Dealing with the predictable impacts of climate change is also an integral component of global political and human security which cannot be ignored by negotiators.

The task is tremendous. Practice shows that on many issues some countries are reticent to accept mandatory commitments. That trend might continue. Yet, climate change knows no borders and efforts to address it may fail unless a visionary multilateral approach is accepted by all countries. The success of the Bali Conference would be a symbol of the undeniable value of multilateralism. For that to happen, it is imperative to learn from past mistakes.  There is no more time for rhetoric. To act energetically now is a matter of great responsibility. All countries must be prepared to face this challenge and shape a sustainable ecological system for present and future generations.

Fatalism is not an acceptable alternative. Reinvigorated universal action is more necessary than ever. A dynamic ecological diplomacy must prove its capacity to be robust and proactive in building a workable consensus. A fruitful outcome of the Bali Conference would be beneficial to all groups of states on all continents and to the cause of world peace.

Diplomats may find useful inspiration in the fact that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2007 was awarded to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and to Albert Arnold (Al) Gore Jr for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for appropriate measures to counteract such change.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee emphasised the urgency of a sharper focus on the processes and decisions meant to protect the world's future climate, and thereby to reduce the threat to the security of mankind. Indeed, resolute political and diplomatic initiatives are needed now, before climate change inevitably moves beyond human control.