World must act now on climate change, says major report

15 September 2009

The world's richest countries must act urgently to help developing countries reduce their carbon emissions, according to a new report from the World Bank.

Video: Kirk Hamilton, lead author of 'World Development Report 2010: Development and Climate Change' gives his insight

The "World Development Report 2010: Development and Climate Change" calls for developed countries to increase funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation in the the developing world. Despite being far less responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions of the past than rich countries, poor countries are the most at-risk from the impacts of weather-related disasters. They are also where most future growth in emissions will occur, as they pursue economic expansion and their energy demands increase.

With the Copenhagen summit on climate change just a few months away in December, the World Bank report reiterates the need for the world to work together to achieve a 'climate-smart' future of low-carbon technologies and more efficient energy consumption. It is possible, it says, to cut energy consumption in industry and the power sector without sacrificing growth.

"This report offers an important and welcome call to action in the run up to Copenhagen," said International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander today. "It is right to say that a 'climate-smart' future is a realistic goal - as long as we take strong and decisive action now.

"The UK government will be working for a Copenhagen deal that is fair and ambitious. We are committed to making sure the right finance is in place to fund the developing world's transition to a successful, low-carbon and climate-resilient future."