Africa's low ambitions on climate finance "disappointing"

At talks in Copenhagen today Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi proposed a weak climate finance package which cut original demands by 75%

Meles announced at a meeting that the Africa Group, which earlier this week demanded $400bn per year from rich nations to help cope with climate impacts, had lowered its figure to $100bn. This position is receiving strong criticism from other African nations.

CAFOD’s partners in developing nations demand a minimum $195 billion per year long-term finance, alongside rich countries’ emissions cuts of at least 40 per cent, to facilitate adaptation and mitigation against climate change, and the move to a greener economy.

If finance is significantly below this figure, the only way developing countries can be protected from climate impacts will be a concomitant reduction in carbon emissions.

Liz Gallagher, CAFOD’s climate finance specialist, said: “At this late stage of the negotiations, this figure being tabled by Africa is disappointing to say the least.

”Such a turn-around on the level of finance being asked for by Africa points to the influence of some of the big powers behind the scenes.

"To slash the figure from $400 billion to $100billion is a high-risk strategy – on the one hand Africa could be showing its willingness to compromise; but on the other it is placing its trust in the US and other developed countries to deliver on finance here in Copenhagen. These countries have failed to stump up vital cash to date, so whether this strategy is wise or naive remains to be seen.”

Prime Minister Meles also announced the creation of a high-level committee to explore any viable options for raising long-term climate finance. This included a six-month timeline for reporting back.

Gallagher added: “The support from developing countries for new ways to find finance streams gives a boost to ensuring that this money will not be raided from the aid budgets, but be additional to the targets already set by developed countries.

“But the issue still remains that without drastic emissions cuts from developed countries, this amount of money will not keep Africa safe from the devastating effects of climate change.”

For further information: Pascale Palmer at Copenhagen +44 7785 950 585 ppalmer@cafod.org.uk

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