Earth Concern

"Poul Erik Lauridsen, Advocacy Coordinator of Care International, speaks to Earth Concern Asia on the current issues raised in Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. Below is the summary of his response. CARE International's global response to climate change is facilitated by members of a dedicated Secretariat located within the Confederation's Poverty, Environment and Climate Change Network (PECCN)".

What is the stand of the developing country in Climate Change Deal in Copenhagen Conference?

Developing countries want a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. They also agree that they want deep emissions reduction and funding for adaptation and technology transfer from developed countries. However, China is not as ambitious about emission reductions as are the poorest developing countries who also want large emerging economies like China and India to commit to reductions in GHG emissions.
What is the stand of CARE International on the Copenhagen conference?

The Climate Deal must be good for people. It is unacceptable that poor people who have contributed least to the problem of climate change are now bearing the cost. We need massive scale up of funding for adaptation. Poor and vulnerable groups must be given special priority in the final agreement.
What is the message for the world's poor from this conference?

Keep insisting on a Climate deal that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable people in developing countries.
Do you think there will be enough funding to deal with climate change challenges?

Current pledges are not adding up - not even in the short term (2010-2012). We need substantial financial commitments and innovative funding mechanisms on table in the coming days.
What are the major demands from developing country and citizen's side?
- Massive scale up of new and additional funding for adaptation over and above existing development aid targets. Both short and long term.
- Prioritization of the most vulnerable groups
- Deep cuts in GHG emissions that keep global warming well below 1.5 - 2 Degree celcius.

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Note: Opinions expressed in interview sections and individual write ups are of interviewee/ authors; earth concern facilitates to bring ideas and perspectives.