25 September 2009
G20 leaders have missed a crucial opportunity to combat climate change, say Christian relief and development agency Tearfund.
Tearfund, who work with the world’s poorest communities to help people adapt to the effects of climate change, say that hopes have been dashed at this week’s meeting of G20 leaders in Pittsburgh.
'Despite President Obama's build up to this event back in the summer at G8, the G20 summit has been a complete damp squib on the critical issue of climate finance for developing countries,’ says Paul Cook, Tearfund's Advocacy Director.
'However difficult the global financial situation, rich countries must break the deadlock in the international climate talks by making an offer of new and additional public finance for poor countries. At least $150billion a year in new public money is needed to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change and reduce their emissions.'
'This is urgent,' says Paul Cook. 'Time is running out, and we're already seeing the dramatic impacts of climate change in many parts of the world.
'Rich countries have the power to change this, and must take responsibility for doing so. They must redouble their efforts if we’re to have any hope of getting a strong and fair climate deal in Copenhagen this December.'