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Challenges for faith-based agencies, the Churches and their agencies!

Nelson MuffuhChristian Aid

Climate Change, Poverty & Development

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Some basics

Climate change is happening – global warming is taking place at an alarming rate

It is essentially man-made

It is affecting people – particularly in developing countries

It is a global emergency requiring urgent action. If we act now, we can make a difference

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Why Christians should be involved

Poverty: it is affecting poor people and poor countriesDevelopment: we need sustainable developmentJustice: crisis has been caused by rich nations and rich peopleMoral & theological issues – we can and must do something about it

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Minu Basar: 38 year old mother from coastal village in Bangladesh

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Triple Crisis■ Poverty & Inequality■ Threat from Climate Change■ Lack of political will & global leadership

Minu Basar has scarcely emitted a single tonne of CO2 in her life

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What is the challenge – if the world is to survive?

To cap global emissionsTo enable people in developing countries to have a futureTo get an equitable, globally accepted Climate Change agreementWe cannot ask poor people and developing countries to bear the burden of our challenge

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The UNFCCC

Asks all to play a part in avoiding a climate catastrophe

How may this work?■ Greenhouse Development Rights (GDRs)■ Core UN principle of responsibility and

capacity

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GDRs have come up with some basic principles

Big cuts fast in the rich world

No offsetting of the rich world cuts

Binding cuts for the rich world on top of their domestic obligations

Sharing important technology

Countries to adapt to Climate Change

Measurable cuts in poorer countries

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So what action can we take to tackle Climate Change?

Make the UN process work – churches, CSOs, peoples’ movements, development and environmental agencies

Climate Change should become an urgent political issue in which corporations, governments, international agencies must be challenged

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Key DatesDecember 2007 – 13th UNFCCC negotiationsApril 2008 – Bangkok Climate Change TalksJune 2008 – Climate meeting in BonnAugust 2008 – Climate meeting in GhanaDecember 2008 – Climate meeting in Poznan, PolandSeveral (at least 8weeks) of climate talks spread out throughout 2009December 2009 – Copenhagen Climate Conferences (COP15)End of 2012 – Deadline for ratification of a new Climate deal

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So what can we do as an ecumenical family?

Faith-based stakeholders can continue their long history of involvement

■ Take leadership

Focus on influencing, supporting and accompanying the UN process:

■ Demand a fair agreement■ Strong and vocal leadership from churches■ Empowered and well-informed delegations from

the South making a difference at the UNFCCC negotiations

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What else can we do?

Work towards equity, poverty eradication and sustainable developmentHelp provide a theological, moral and ethical frameworkEncourage personal choiceKeep up pressure – it works! (focus on UN process)