International Consultation to Explore Climate Change and Development

Christian Aid is to hold an international consultation in London discussing the impact of climate change on the developing world from 12 to 15 April.

|PIC1|The consultation, which is being sponsored by the World Council of Churches Working Group on Climate Change will look at the question: 'What are the implications of climate change for development in a world where years of development efforts are destroyed in a few seconds or hours by a hurricane or a single flood?'

The consultation is expected to renew and update ecumenical advocacy positions and policy in relation to intergovernmental negotiations on climate change after 2012 - the year when the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol expires.

It will also review options for faith communities' participation in a proposed global civil society campaign on climate change.

The consultation will reflect from a theological and ethical perspective on the interface between climate change and development, and consider the responsibilities of northern countries, as well as ways in which southern countries can pursue their legitimate development goals.

Also on the agenda are re-adaptation strategies as well as emission reduction targets and timetables.

The consultation will hear about plans for a global civil society campaign on climate change that environmental organisations together with faith communities intend to launch later this year.

Some 25 representatives of church-related relief and development agencies will join the members of the WCC climate change group at the consultation.

Organisations that will be participating in the consultation are:
Bread for the World/Church Development Service (Germany)
Christian Aid (UK)
Church of Sweden Aid
Church World Service (USA)
Evangelical Environment Network (USA)
ICCO/Kerkinactie (The Netherlands)
KairosCanada
Norwegian Church Aid
Tearfund (UK)
World Council of Churches Working Group on Climate Change