Copenhagen - voices of vulnerable countries
One of the positive outcomes from Copenhagen was the striking way in which the voices of some climate vulnerable countries are beginning to be heard and exert influence in the thick of the negotiations. The leaders of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, the Maldives amongst others made it clear that they believed it was worth pocketing the areas of progress, particularly on climate finance, while continuing to press for a more comprehensive overall agreement in the months ahead.
President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives encouraged leaders to support the Accord:
The Prime Minister and Ed Miliband have made clear that they think the same, and are keen to work more closely with such progressive countries as we seek ways to build on the Copenhagen Accord. View video footage from an event this week where Ed Miliband answered questions from campaigners, stakeholders and youth groups. The Prime Minister linked up via a video conference stream.
So looking ahead, 2010 will be a time for developing our strategies and moving forwards. That will build on the achievements of this year - for example the Climate Vulnerable Forum in the Maldives, and the participation of some such countries in the major multilateral meetings, as we initiated at the London MEF this autumn.
Another major legacy of Copenhagen is the way it has placed climate issues in the consciousness of countries around the world, including many which are now much more aware of their vulnerability and determined to do something about it. In many cases that means addressing climate change as a cross-governmental issue for the first time, recognising its power to affect the whole of national life. In the grip of our own winter freeze this Christmas, it's perhaps worth reflecting how the climate can turn the world in which we live upside down - as people more obviously on the global front-line, many without effective coping strategies and resources, are already aware.
Posted at 16:24 23 December 2009 by Robin Gwynn | Comments[0]
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