Lima, December 8, 2014. As government ministers begin to arrive in Lima, Peru, for the second week of the COP20 UN climate change conference, CARE International says there are still serious holes in the current draft of a new global climate change agreement if governments are to guarantee an adequate global response to climate change.
CARE’s Climate Change Advocacy Coordinator, Sven Harmeling, said:
On emissions reductions to help avoid the worst impacts of climate change:
“In recent days all eyes have been on the Philippines, with COP20 delegates hoping that Typhoon Hagupit would not result in the devastation caused by Haiyan in 2013. Today, delegates came together in Lima to express their solidarity with those affected. Hagupit is yet another reminder that all governments must ramp up their efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions before 2020. But right now, there is no sign at all that developed countries will agree to emissions reductions beyond current pledges. Unless developed countries change course there is little chance the world will be able to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees C, the danger threshold beyond which the worst impacts of climate change will unfold.”
“Governments must also agree to a fair assessment of where we are heading. If we continue to pump greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere at current levels, or slightly reduced levels, all countries will need to know what this means for our planet – both in terms of climate risks and the adaptation efforts required. If governments fail to commit to the level of climate action needed, and if their lack of urgency sets the world on a path towards 4 degrees C of global warming, poor countries will find it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to develop plans to help them adapt.”
On the amount of money available to help developing countries adapt to climate change:
“This week in Lima, the spotlight is firmly on ministers from developed countries. As yet, they have failed to provide a road map explaining how they are going to find at least USD100 bn per year to support climate action in developing countries. So Lima is their chance to lay their cards on the table. Developing countries need to leave Peru with a commitment that developed countries will work on a financial road map in 2015, showing how they will find the cash to pay for adaptation up to 2020.”
On financial support to the climate change adaptation fund:
“When it comes to the Adaptation Fund, developed countries must stump up an extra USD80 million here in Lima. This is a crucial step to helping poor communities in vulnerable developing countries take rapid action to reduce disaster risks and ensure their food systems are resilient to climate change impacts. The Adaptation Fund has shown it can deliver adaptation to vulnerable communities, but is now at risk of running out of money. Poor countries will benefit from continued funding for adaptation action alongside cash delivered by the Green Climate Fund.”
An adaptation gap report released last week by UNEP indicates that the costs of adapting to climate impacts are estimated to be 2-3 times higher than previously thought, even with 2 degrees of average global warming. On Tuesday, ministers from around the world will convene at COP20 for a high-level dialogue on climate finance.
To arrange an interview with Sven Harmeling in Lima, contact Jo Barrett (CARE's climate change communications coordinator) [email protected]
CARE International is a leading humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty and providing lifesaving assistance in emergencies. In 90 countries around the world, CARE places special focus on working alongside poor girls and women because, equipped with the proper resources, they have the power to help lift whole families and entire communities out of poverty.
Find out more about CARE's work with climate change or follow us on Twitter @CAREClimate