EU would walk away from bad deal, warns lead negotiator

Frans Timmermans, the European Union’s lead negotiator here at COP27, has laid down a clear red line for these talks. “We’d rather have no decision than a bad decision,” he told journalists.

He says the EU will not accept a deal that loses commitment to that crucial temperature threshold of 1.5C – that’s the degree of warming that scientists agree is necessary to avoid the worst of climate change. It’s enshrined in COP agreements, including the historic Paris Agreement and last year’s Glasgow.

The EU put forward a deal late on Thursday that offers a fund for finance related to the irreversible losses and damages that developing nations face. They want other developed countries to get on board, and for at-risk nations to agree to it.

But they are worried that as the clock ticks on getting a deal over the line, the commitment to 1.5C could be compromised.

Now this morning they are saying they could walk away from COP27.

Speaking ealier this morning, COP27 President Sameh Shoukry said: “We are here facilitating this process, creating an environment, and providing a text. We recognise keeping 1.5C alive.”