PAN AFRICAN CLIMATE JUSTICE ALLIANCE
MEDIA STATEMENT
SABOTAGE BY INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES UNACCEPTABLE
Representatives from African civil society attending the climate change talks here in Bangkok during these two weeks wish to express our outright disapproval at the deliberate attempt by developed countries to sabotage the progress being made in the talks. Such sabotage, we believe, threatens to undermine any chance of attaining a fair and equitable deal in Copenhagen in December 2009.
As African civil society, we have followed the negotiations over the past week with keen interest. We are saddened to observe a strong degree of mistrust permeating the dialogue process. There is a real danger we are headed towards a tragic breakdown of the negotiations in Copenhagen unless political will is enhanced, particularly from industrialized countries.
Renewed genuine commitment and leadership by the United States, EU and other Annex I countries is a pre-requisite to enable discussions to move forward. This is particularly important in the areas of mid-term mitigation targets as well as adaptation finance and technology transfer.
We believe Annex 1 parties should now urgently acknowledge their responsibility for and capability to deal with the climate crisis. Now is the time for them to show genuine commitment to providing the support needed by countries in Africa to respond and adapt to climate change.
In view of the above, African civil society calls for the following:
- The fulfillment of commitments by industrialized countries under the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol, including the polluter pays principle.
- Provision of adequate and predictable financing for adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer and capacity building for developing countries.
- Deep emission cuts by Annex 1 countries of 45 % below 1990 levels by 2020, and of a 90% reduction by 2050.
- Compensation to African Countries and establishment of an Adaptation Fund for Africa.
We re-affirm our support to the African Group of Negotiators and our solidarity with the G77&China. It is our firm belief that a fair, ecologically just and equitable deal will only be attained through the frank and honest commitment from all parties.
Signed this 5th day of October 2009 by Mithika Mwenda , PACJA Coordinator
Contact Details:, 0806295171, Email mwemithika@yahoo.com
MEDIA STATEMENT – Google Docs.
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the commitments by annex 1 parties needs to be very open and specific. this covers their mitigation targets and the finance for adaptation and technology transfer. capacity building not just theoritical capacity but practical needs to be properly afddressed as well. it is the only way that a fair deal can be reach in copenhagen come december 2009.