Rich Countries Have Created Climate Crisis, Poor Ones Are Paying The Price

By Gilbert Mercier, NEWS JUNKIE POST

The organization Oxfam International says that climate change negotiations need to move much faster if a global deal is to be secured in time for the crucial December deadline agreed by all the world’s countries.

“Rich countries have largely created the climate crisis, but it is poor countries that are being hit first and hardest. To avoid the most catastrophic effects, rich countries must agree to a deal that reduces their emissions first and fastest, and show leadership so that global cut in emission keeps temperature increases as far below as 2 degrees Celsius as possible.” Says Oxfam.

Oxfam estimates that 2009 is a critical year for meaningful actions on climate change. Climate change is exacerbating poverty & vulnerability among the world’s poorest people who are least responsible for the problem and are least able to deal with its harmful effects. Climate change is harming harvests, livelihoods, health and safety.

Oxfams estimates that 375 million people, worldwide, may be at risk of climate change disaster by 2015. More than 26 million people have already been displaced as a consequence of it. By 2050, 200 million people a year may be on the move due to hunger, environmental degradation and loss of land because of climate change. Oxfams points out that according to the World Health Organization, 300,000 people die a year because of climate change.

Ahead of the G8 Summit, Oxfam is urging rich countries to make climate change a priority. The G8 Summit is a big opportunity to give action on the issue a huge political boost, G8 countries created the crisis and have the financial means to tackle it.

2009 is a critical year for action on climate change, with a make-or-break UN meeting in December to agree on reducing emissions and funding adaptation to the crisis. But international negotiation are deadlocked due to rich countries failure to come forward with adequate emissions targets and offers of finance for adaptation.

Before the G8, Oxfam presses world leaders to action in order to improve the lives of million of people. Oxfam thinks the priorities should be:

First, to broker a safe & fair climate deal to keep global warming below 2degrees C.

Second, to reduce emissions in their respective countries.

Third, to commit at least $ 150 Billion to help developing countries adapt and pursue their own low carbon futures.

Only a global political commitment at the highest level can prevent a human catastrophe of unprecedented scope.