World Vision calls on government to fund climate change adaptation

Press release:

The Australian Government must provide increased funding for developing nations trying to cope with the impact of climate change, World Vision Australia said today.

The international aid organisation has signed an open letter along with other non-government charities calling on the Federal Government to provide increased funding for climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries for 2013-2015.

World Vision is also calling on the government to participate in the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.

Climate change is already having a significant impact on communities that World Vision works with.

Poor communities, particularly those in small Pacific states or in parts of Africa recently ravaged by drought, are directly dependent on agriculture to meet their daily needs. Climate change and extreme weather events are putting their livelihoods under increased pressure.

World Vision Australia food security expert Dr David Lansley said he had seen firsthand the impact of rising sea levels on some of our nearest – and poorest – neighbours during a recent trip to Solomon Islands.

“Unfortunately some of the countries most vulnerable to extreme weather events and changing climates are also those least able to afford the costs of recovery and adaptation,” Dr Lansley said.

Finance is urgently required to help vulnerable communities in developing countries adapt to the already unavoidable consequences of climate change, according to Dr Lansley.

“Of course, the adaptation challenge will become insurmountable unless much more swift and robust action is taken by both developed and developing countries on mitigation as well,” Dr Lansley said.

“The Kyoto Protocol remains the only legally binding emissions-reduction treaty in the world, and it’s imperative that Australia continue to participate in the Kyoto system.

“Not only is it our responsibility as one of the world’s highest per-capita emitters of greenhouse gases, it’s part of the global leadership role Australia has achieved through winning a seat on the United Nations Security Council.”

Australia is expected to announce its position on the Kyoto Protocol ahead of the United Nations climate talks in Doha, Qatar, starting on November 26.

To donate to the Emergency Preparedness Fund, which helps World Vision respond quickly to disasters, call 13 32 40 or go to www.worldvision.com.au

Media contact: Kate Rose – 0418 528 683 / kate.rose@worldvision.com.au