In five days time world leaders and international delegates will descend on Durban in South Africa for the next round of global climate talks, COP17. After the disappointment of Copenhagen in 2009 and dubious progress at last year’s talks at Cancun, senior negotiators are already dampening expectations that a meaningful deal can be achieved.

Whilst it would be fantastic for the international community commit to a legally binding agreement to supersede the Kyoto Protocol, most do not expect to see a new treaty. Perhaps a more realistic step in the right direction would be an agreement to work on a successor to Kyoto. But it’s not just about the detail of whatever treaty comes out – it’s about politicians sending a clear signal about the world’s commitment to reducing emissions.

A multilateral deal is one way to approach climate change that we must not give up on. But if the talks next week do fail, it shouldn’t be an excuse for efforts here in the UK to fade. Strong political leadership at a national and regional level can go a long way towards delivering similar benefits. It’s important to continue to work hard on decarbonising the UK energy sector, convincing politicians that it’s possible to decouple economic growth and emissions. Investing in renewable energy offers an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security in a sustainable way.

Earlier this month the International Energy Agency warned that there is just five years remaining to cut greenhouse gas emissions to avert “irreversible” climate change. Whatever happens in Durban, there is no doubt that the clock is ticking and time is running out.

Our CEO Juliet Davenport recently took part in a discussion hosted by the Economist Intelligence Unit which looked at the prospects for agreement at COP17, you can view it here.