According to the minister, the priority is to consider the broader ramifications of climate policies and not forget human rights and gender equality. This is why Dieschbourg is putting a lot of emphasis on Article 6 of the Paris Climate Agreement, which will play an important role in negotiations.
Article 6 enshrines cooperation in market-based climate change mitigation mechanisms, which, according to Dieschbourg, emphasises the important in creating markets without any negative impact on the environment.
Dieschbourg believes it is important to consider climate change as a global issue, highlighting that Luxembourg has been involved in supporting indigenous populations and equal rights for years now. This specific area is, Dieschbourg says, where Luxembourg can speak out and distinguish itself, as the Grand Duchy does not have many 'comrades in arms' in this domain, and needs to defend its position.
The minister does however expect negotiations with Brazil to be difficult, but told MPs that the Amazon rain forest must be protected. CSV MP Paul Galles highlighted that at the same time, the rain forest is an enormous economic factor for Brazil. There should be more emphasis on helping indigenous populations in this respect, Galles added. He hoped that using the theme of highlighting the plight of indigenous populations might be a way to move forward to progressing, rather than under the narrative of economic importance.
LSAP MP Franz Fayot added that expectations are high, and that the European Union must demonstrate its ambitious agenda in climate change. Fayot said young people especially have high expectations and this must be managed.
The COP25 conference was due to take place in Santiago, Chile, but has been moved to Spain's capital instead. The conference begins at the start of December.
