Africa Seeks Equity
In Climate Deal
The
African Group at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference has
said that a continental common position formed the basis for
negotiations for a new climate change regime.
In a statement, the African Group Negotiating Team at the
ongoing UN climate conference in Copenhagen noted that the
continent’s position would take into account Africa’s priorities
for sustainable development, poverty reduction and the
attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
‘Equity’
It said what Africa is seeking from the international community
is the principles of equity and responsibilities for global
warming and climate change.
The statement, however, said that Africa in the context of
environmental justice sought to be equitably compensated for
environmental, social and economic losses.
It called for increased support for Africa under future climate
regime, such as based on priorities determined by Africa
including food security, poverty alleviation and climate risk
management.
‘DRC’s peculiar demands’
The Congo Democratic Republic says it will demand compensation
as a country contributing to the reduction of Greenhouse gas
emissions.
Addressing parliament ahead of his trip to the summit, Congolese
President Joseph Kabila, said he would flaunt his country's
efforts at protecting the environment, saying that such efforts
were borne out of deep conviction.
’’DRC was one of the first countries to turn conservation into
an essential ingredient of its policy,’’ President Kabila said.
In this respect, he said his country intended to make the best
out of its commitment to environmental protection, by receiving
compensation commensurate with its contribution to the reduction
of global Greenhouse gas emissions.
He said the sacrifices by his country had benefitted the world
as a whole, including countries known to be the greatest
polluters.
Africa has already agreed to demand a certain amount of money as
compensation for bearing the brunt of climate change, even
though it contributes the least to the phenomenon.
PANA/NAN/Yinka
