16 December 2009
Prince Charles spoke passionately about the threat that climate change poses to poor people and the planet today as he opened the ‘high-level segment’ of the climate talks.
Describing climate change the heir to the throne said: 'A partial solution to climate change is no solution at all, this is not a problem resolvable in terms of them and us. Just as mankind has the power to push us to the brink so mankind has the power to push us back.'
Tearfund's Director of Advocacy, Paul Cook, said: The urgency in HRH Prince Charles' statement is welcome and while he cannot engage in the summit and its complexities himself, the Prime Minister can. Hopefully Gordon Brown's early arrival will put pressure on other world leaders to play their part in ensuring that a strong, fair and binding climate agreement is secured on Friday.
Paul Cook added: ‘Low targets and short-term rehashed cash are not an option. The impacts of climate change are already being experienced in the developing world and with devastating consequences. Therefore it’s vital that the international process to effectively respond reflects the enormity of the task at hand.
‘With only three days of the summit left poor countries need to see ambition and political will. They don’t need rhetoric. Heads of Government must move the talks on from rolling discussions to tough decisions.
'We need to see tough targets on emissions cuts from developed countries and adequate genuine new money for poor countries to adapt to climate change and develop low carbon economies.'