21 September 2009
Tearfund urges developed countries to demonstrate leadership, urgency, and ambition on mid-term emissions targets and the levels of finance they are willing to commit, ahead of pre-Copenhagen meetings in New York and Pittsburgh.
Finance for a new climate deal will be high on the agenda when world leaders meet to take forward discussions on the beleaguered Copenhagen climate negotiations this week.
Paul Cook, Director of Advocacy for Christian relief and development agency Tearfund, said, ‘Money for emissions cuts and adaptation measures remains the un-clearable hurdle in the run up to December’s climate summit in Copenhagen.
'To clear this hurdle, world leaders must listen to the poorest countries hit hardest by climate change. Then, they need to respond by providing at least $150billion a year of additional climate funding.'
Tearfund says that the UN high level talks are one of the rare meetings on the road to Copenhagen where developing nations are at the table and have an opportunity for their voices to be heard.
These representatives of the developing world will not be present at the G20 conference in Pittsburgh later in the week, where it is hoped concrete climate finance decisions should be made. Therefore, it is crucial that their voices are not marginalised on Tuesday, Tearfund adds.
Last week the European Council agreed to propose 5-7 billion euro upfront for finance for developing countries, but it is still not clear whether we will see this reflected in the G20 conclusions next week.
‘We have just 77 days left until a new climate treaty that protects both poor people and the planet must agreed, in order for it to come into force in January 2013. It’s time for procrastination to cease - and for ambitious decisions to be made.’ Cook concluded.