Tearfund says Government must help poor nations adapt to climate change

Tearfund has given its support to the Government’s efforts to heal the rift between developed and developing nations and secure a global agreement on climate change.

In an action plan published yesterday, the Government signalled its intention to sign the new Kyoto treaty, which had been a sticking point at failed climate talks in Copenhagen last December.

The new treaty would commit rich nations to legally binding targets on reductions to carbon emissions, something that major players like China and India have so far been reluctant to agree.

Climate secretary Ed Miliband said he was open to the idea of two global treaties on cuts to carbon emissions if governments could not agree on one.

Tearfund welcomed the agreement, saying it could be a step towards unlocking the differences between rich and poor nations.

It expressed disappointment, however, at the lack of detail on adaptation funds in the Government action plan.

“Adaptation is crucial for the poorest and most vulnerable countries, already experiencing the impact of climate change,’ says Paul Cook, Tearfund’s Advocacy Director.

“They will bear the brunt of climate impacts caused by current weak emissions cuts pledged in the Copenhagen Accord.

“Tearfund is particularly concerned that funds for adaptation are not plundered to compensate oil rich countries for their lost revenues, which could happen under the terms of the Copenhagen Accord. The UK needs a strategy to ensure this does not happen.”