Principle of Equity is critical to COP21
With the meeting of the 193 member UN General Assembly on Monday, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned that the upcoming conference on Climate Change which is scheduled to be held later in Paris this year, must uphold the principle of equity.
This scheduled meeting, also known as the Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP21), will act as a legally binding agreement which will not only support the required adaptation needs of the developing world, but also, more importantly “demonstrate solidarity with the poorest and most vulnerable countries through a focused package of assistance,” clarified Ban.
The aim is to garner 100 billion per year by 2020 in order to support developing nations, create and strengthen their resilience while curbing the emissions of greenhouse gasses.
“Climate change impacts are accelerating. Weather-related disasters are more frequent and more intense. Everyone is affected – but not all equally,” said Ban while emphasizing the inequities of the impact of climate change.
Sam Kutesa, President of the 69th session of the U.N. General Assembly and convener of this high level meeting, emphatically clarified that the occurrence of national disasters are severely affecting global climate patterns, the most recent of which has been Vanuatu. Many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), such as Kiribati, are facing an existential threat. These “are a matter of deep concern for us all”.
“We are also increasingly witnessing other severe weather patterns as a result of climate change, including droughts, floods and landslides. In my own country Uganda, the impact of climate change is affecting the livelihoods of the rural population who are dependent on agriculture,” he said.
On his part Ban mentioned the fact that policies and laws on climate change has nearly doubled around the world. Three quarters of the world’s annual greenhouse emissions are already covered by national targets.
“The world’s three biggest economies – China, the European Union (EU) and the United States – have placed their bets on low-carbon, climate-resilient growth,” said Ban.
Many would know Robert Redford, as a Hollywood actor, but he is also a strong environmental advocate. Speaking to delegates he said, “[As] a father, grandfather, and also a concerned citizen – one of billions around the world who are urging you to take action now on climate change.”
He went on to add, “I am an actor by trade, but an activist by nature, someone who has always believed that we must find the balance between what we develop for our survival, and what we preserve for our survival. Your mission is as simple as it is daunting. Save the world before it’s too late.”
Arguing that climate change is very real, it is in fact the result of human activities. “We see the effects all around us–from drought and famine in Africa, and heat waves in South Asia, to wildfires across North America, devastating hurricanes and crippling floods here in New York. So, everywhere we look, moderate weather is going extinct,” said Redford.
References:
http://www.ipsnews.net/2015/06/u-n-chief-seeks-equity-in-climate-change-agreement-in-paris/
This scheduled meeting, also known as the Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP21), will act as a legally binding agreement which will not only support the required adaptation needs of the developing world, but also, more importantly “demonstrate solidarity with the poorest and most vulnerable countries through a focused package of assistance,” clarified Ban.
The aim is to garner 100 billion per year by 2020 in order to support developing nations, create and strengthen their resilience while curbing the emissions of greenhouse gasses.
“Climate change impacts are accelerating. Weather-related disasters are more frequent and more intense. Everyone is affected – but not all equally,” said Ban while emphasizing the inequities of the impact of climate change.
Sam Kutesa, President of the 69th session of the U.N. General Assembly and convener of this high level meeting, emphatically clarified that the occurrence of national disasters are severely affecting global climate patterns, the most recent of which has been Vanuatu. Many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), such as Kiribati, are facing an existential threat. These “are a matter of deep concern for us all”.
“We are also increasingly witnessing other severe weather patterns as a result of climate change, including droughts, floods and landslides. In my own country Uganda, the impact of climate change is affecting the livelihoods of the rural population who are dependent on agriculture,” he said.
On his part Ban mentioned the fact that policies and laws on climate change has nearly doubled around the world. Three quarters of the world’s annual greenhouse emissions are already covered by national targets.
“The world’s three biggest economies – China, the European Union (EU) and the United States – have placed their bets on low-carbon, climate-resilient growth,” said Ban.
Many would know Robert Redford, as a Hollywood actor, but he is also a strong environmental advocate. Speaking to delegates he said, “[As] a father, grandfather, and also a concerned citizen – one of billions around the world who are urging you to take action now on climate change.”
He went on to add, “I am an actor by trade, but an activist by nature, someone who has always believed that we must find the balance between what we develop for our survival, and what we preserve for our survival. Your mission is as simple as it is daunting. Save the world before it’s too late.”
Arguing that climate change is very real, it is in fact the result of human activities. “We see the effects all around us–from drought and famine in Africa, and heat waves in South Asia, to wildfires across North America, devastating hurricanes and crippling floods here in New York. So, everywhere we look, moderate weather is going extinct,” said Redford.
References:
http://www.ipsnews.net/2015/06/u-n-chief-seeks-equity-in-climate-change-agreement-in-paris/
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