Least Developed Countries call for immediate action on Climate Change

BY EDMUND SMITH-ASANTE

The 49-member group of least developed countries (LDCs) taking part in international negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) which began in Bonn, Germany Monday, April 29, 2012, has called for swift action in dealing with issues raised.

During preparation of the Bonn talks, the group emphasised: “Start real negotiations now! We must not embark on yet another procedural heavy process. Delay will certainly lead to a 4°C warmer world.”

“We must draw lessons from the past negotiations under this Convention, and implement urgent actions to address climate change. We should ensure that the outcomes of Durban are implemented as a matter of urgency. Without substantial progress to close the 8–13 gigatonne mitigation gap before 2020, the LDCs would not be prepared to accept a weak outcome,” the group stressed.

Meanwhile, over the long and tedious journey of the climate change negotiations, the LDC Group has continuously stressed that they will be the most seriously hit by the impacts of climate change, saying the effects are already being seen.

“We are all experiencing an increased number of droughts, severe storms, and floods. These events are increasing in frequency, magnitude and intensity, and worsening from day to day the quality of life of already vulnerable populations. Delay in action against climate change is not an option for the group,” the LDCs stated.

For his part, Mr. Prakash Mathema from Nepal who was inaugurating the group’s first negotiation session, as its new chair, urged Parties to show leadership to achieve real and substantial progress on the negotiation of a 2015 treaty and to close the mitigation gap before 2020. “There is no more time to waste, so we need to stop going round in circles,” he said.

The sum of mitigation-related actions by all Parties should lead to an aggregate global emission pathway that is scientifically consistent with limiting warming below 1.5°C by the end of the 21^st century. This calls for clear short-, medium- and long-term commitments which should be subjected to regular reviews, and be based on latest science, the new LDC chair said.

“Adaptation and climate resilience are the top priorities for the LDCs for which international support for technology, capacity building and finance is still inadequate. If global emissions are not limited, our countries will be confronted with a situation where adaptation requirements will far exceed capacities even if all possible international support is provided,” Mr. Mathema warned, adding “At a certain point adaptation will have its limits and in the long-term, mitigation is the best form of adaptation.”