Australia, Always a Winner

Leading the way on blocking progress at the UN climate change negotiations in Lima, Peru has earned Australia it’s fourth Fossil of the Day award. This one comes courtesy of their trade minister Andrew Robb.

A self-professed climate sceptic, Robb came to Lima accompanied with BHP employees. His recent declarations at home and here have made it very clear for those willing to listen where he stands on signing a global deal in Paris. If things were to go his way, Australia won’t sign the deal if their major trade competitors have no plans to do so. This is not the type of leadership needed before Paris.

On the flip side, a “Pending Ray of the Day” was given for the first time ever to Japan who were commended for their initiative of including civil society in the INDC process.

The Japanese have taken a good first step step towards procuring a more transparent process in the negotiations. However, their shining moment comes with a hint of irony as they are one of two countries currently blocking webcasting the Green Climate Fund meetings. Making climate finance more transparent and approachable is one of the main calls for action coming out of Lima.

When they blow away the clouds dimming their ray by abstaining to hinder transparency at the GCF they will be able to claim the ray.