The ICLEI response to Durban outcomes stresses the need for international diplomacy to match the pace of local action.
Gino van Begin (Deputy Secretary General of ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability) presented a mixed response to progress made in Durban, saying that, acknowledging “a significant step forward to bring the deniers of the Kyoto Protocol back around the table", but also expressing concern over the slow pace of progress, saying that "this (progress) is important to save our today, but too little and possibly too late to save our tomorrow. There is indeed a dangerous gap between now and 2020 which is the most critical period to ensure a global transition to low emission, climate-resilient development".
He added “It is now urgent and more than ever necessary to mobilise and support the ambitious climate actions of local governments who have been zooming past nations".
This viewpoint was echoed by Margareta Wahlström, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction. Welcoming the launch of the Durban Adaptation Charter, Mrs Wahlström said "it is encouraging to see city mayors and local governments forging ahead and agreeing to mainstream adaptation in local government development planning regardless of the COP17 outcome...local government is where the rubber hits the road when it comes to responding to the human impacts of climate change.”
Interventions are often most effective when delivered by local actors with a knowledge of the particular circumstances and issues, and the ability to engage a sense of community as a driver for positive action. However, the organisations delivering these interventions, whether local authorities or communities/ businesses acting on their own initiative, need the assurance that global action will back their commitment.