Despite agreement to negotiate a new international deal on climate change by 2009, developed countries failed to agree on including ambitious emissions cuts at the climate change talks held in Bali in December 2007.
‘Getting more than 180 countries to agree was no mean feat,’ says Andy Atkins 'Head of Advocacy at Tearfund. ‘But the fact that there is no agreement about exactly how far to cut emissions means the Bali roadmap is missing a vital signpost,’ he added.
Talks did commit however to supporting adaptation to climate change as a key building block of any new climate change treaty that is agreed. Talks in Bali also resulted in agreement on an Adaptation Fund, which should soon start providing funding to help poor communities adapt to climate change. This progress on adaptation is something that Tearfund lobbied hard for at the talks.
Give thanks that adaptation has been recognised as an important issue in discussions. Please ask that as the actual negotiations start in 2008, richer countries will be willing to put aside self-interest and agree to tough emissions cuts of 25-40 per cent by 2020.
Reflect: Isaiah 9: despite the odds being overwhelmingly against us, as they were against Gideon fighting the Midianites with just 300 men, God is able to accomplish his plans. Pray that richer countries who are key to deciding the level of further emissions cuts will remember their commitments to poor communities vulnerable to climate change.
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