Things to watch for from Copenhagen

At the Copenhagen climate change talks, three broad groups are emerging:

Firstly, there are the traditional developed nations (or, in climate change speak, the ‘Annex 1’ nations). They have historic responsibility for almost all of the greenhouse gas emissions, but most still seem to be using the talks to further their own self-interests, rather than the broader interests of humanity.

They have the moral responsibility to make the greatest contribution to solving the problems that are being faced here. They bear historical responsibility for putting the carbon into the atmosphere, and have reaped the rewards of industrialisation, indeed sometimes through colonisation and exploitation of raw materials from less developed countries.

Secondly, there is a group comprising Brazil, South Africa, India and China (referred to as the BASIC group). They are the wealthiest of the developing nations, and are set to be the source of some 60% of greenhouse gas emissions between now and 2030 as they continue on their development trajectory. They need to play their part in the negotiations.


The remaining group is made up of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), the Least Developed Countries, and the Africa Group. They are the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. They are also the countries where World Vision works with communities to tackle poverty. Climate change could undermine much of this good work and affect the health and well-being of millions.


Historically, these nations have been responsible for a negligible amount of greenhouse gas emissions, yet they are already being affected. In fact some of the small islands may soon cease to exist; others are approaching tipping points from which they may never recover.

Yesterday was Human Rights Day, and in a presentation made by members from AOSIS, we were reminded of what they face: where will their populations be relocated to as sea levels rise and flood their islands? What will be their rights in their ‘host’ countries? What will happen to their sovereign rights? What rights does a displaced nation hold?

Next week, the world’s leaders will be judged on the agreement they make – the pathway they choose and how committed they are to solving the climate change problem. They face a number of decisions, but here are the key points to watch:

1. We need to put a limit on how much more global temperatures can increase. This limit should be 1.5 degrees if the most vulnerable are going to have a chance to survive and enjoy reasonable health
2. There needs to be funding in the order of some $150 billion per annum by 2020, if we are going to be able to address the immediate impacts of climate change, particularly on the most vulnerable, including women, children and disabled people.
3. The nature of any agreement reached here must be legally binding (not ‘politically binding’) so that it will be enforceable. We must be able to hold governments to account if they break their promises.

For more information: www.worldvision.org.uk