Bangladesh: weathering the storm affected by a changing climate have a right to know where money will come from and how it will be spent. But full and clear information is Kulsum Umme speaking being withheld. to climate justice These countries campaigners in the UK can’t plan for the future. They fear that muchneeded aid, already promised for development, may be diverted to fund the pledges made on climate change at Copenhagen. They are also concerned they’ll have to repay loans with interest. European finance ministers, including UK Chancellor George Osborne, meet this October – this is our chance to press them to open up and report back in full on those crucial decisions. Kulsum believes in the power of people pulling together. “Organised, trained and capable, this community is developing,” she says. But without international action, will this be enough to keep it secure in the future? “Sometimes they think their effort in adapting to changing weather conditions is like a single straw against the tide. But as I fight to get justice, compassion from CAFOD campaigners, standing right beside me, gives me courage to go on.”
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Please send the attached card to the Chancellor. Poor countries urgently need help to cope with the impacts of climate change. Ask him for clear and full reports from the EU about the money promised in Copenhagen
e Watch Kulsum’s video blogs Se from the Copenhagen talks:
Avoiding climate change catastrophe Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne MP on the politics of the environment
“Climate change could hurt the poorest communities most”
What inspired you to enter politics? My family has always been political, but when I was a journalist I visited India and saw successes and failures of development policy; and Tanzania, where a wellmeaning programme of moving nomads into villages (to enjoy better health and education services) failed to take account of increased farming on poor soils, leading to erosion. The futility of ignoring ecological constraints awoke my interest in environmental policy.
Why is climate change such a crucial issue? It has the potential to make the planet uninhabitable. Climate change could wreck economies and hurt the poorest communities most. Actions to tackle climate change – like reducing energy use and switching to cleaner forms of power – could improve our quality of life, and should be adopted.
What are the hurdles to tackling climate change? Developing countries are unconvinced developed countries are committed to reducing their own emissions which are responsible for most of the global warming effect so far; and poorer countries don’t want their development constrained by unfair targets. We need to develop
long-term financing for developing countries, and demonstrate how the UK can build a prosperous, lowcarbon economy. This will encourage richer countries, like the US, with less ambitious targets, to move further.
What hopes have you for a binding deal, that protects the world’s poorest, at this year’s talks in Mexico? The UK is committed to achieving success. Over 120 countries are associated with the Copenhagen Accord, over 70 set out targets to limit emissions. Copenhagen demonstrated an appetite for action. We need to see substantial progress in Mexico.
What can supporters do to lobby their local MP? Most MPs are convinced of the urgency of the climate challenge, but not all – scientific disputes have not helped. Target less convinced MPs with arguments and evidence (particularly of local impacts). For others, reinforce the case for ambitious action.
What can a faith-based NGO bring to the issue? One of the most powerful forces is the voice of faith groups. The ethical values, local roots and international reach of faith traditions have a huge influence in the global debate.
blog.cafod.org.uk/bangladesh sidebyside summer2010 cafod.org.uk
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