CLIMATE JUSTICE NOW

The world needs the Copenhagen climate change conference to be successful in cutting emissions to the tune of at least 40% by 2020 to give the planet a chance ot breath. However, the conference needs to acknowledge Climate Justice.

Poor countries, communities and people have contributed least to the causes of climate change, yet are its first and worst victims. At greatest risk are young people, women, indigenous peoples, small farmers, fishing folk and forest communities. A wealthy minority of the world's countries, corporations and people by contrast are the principle cause of climate damage. Figures have shown that less than one fifth of the world's population have emitted almost three quarters of all historical emissions. Yet it is the developing nations that are being told to cut back and pay the debt caused by others.

It is the duty of the developed world to pay its share of what it has consumed. The debt must come from the gobal north and compensation must be given to the global south and assist them in making the change to reduce emissions from carbon and fossill fuels.

I attended the Wave march in London last Saturday and was filled with hope with the many thousands of people who care about climate change and poverty in the developing countries. The two, as far as I am concerned are interlinked.

I still find it hard to believe that there are politicians and scientists who question whether humans are contributing to climate change and damaging our planet. It is a no brainer, if you continue to use something it eventually runs out or breaks down! Copenhagen has to be successful in tackling global climate change and global poverty.