| African governments pressed to reject involvement of World Bank, carbon markets |
| CANCUN –Representatives of some of Africa’s most prominent civil society organizations are stressing the importance of establishing a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol, with a science-based aggregate emissions reduction target for developed countries. They are also calling for a rejection of any climate role for the World Bank, and for opposition to carbon markets.
Mithika Mwenda, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, said:
“Africa urgently needs a strong, just climate agreement. Such an agreement can only be achieved with developing countries taking a second round of strong, science-based emissions commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.”
Tetteh Hormeku, Third World Network Africa, said:
“African leaders must stand strong for the people of their continent, and not bow to bullying by rich countries. Meles Zenawi did not play a facilitative role in Copenhagen. This cannot be repeated by other African leaders. Northern governments must know Africa’s future is not for sale.” Siziwe Khanyile, Groundwork / Friends of the Earth South Africa, said:
“The World Bank should not be pushing carbon markets, and it should be allowed no role in the delivery of climate finance. The World Bank has already harmed Africa enough, it cannot be trusted with the responsibility for responding to climate change, which threatens many Africans’ very survival.” ###
CONTACT:
Siziwe Khanyile, ziziwe@groundwork.org.za, +52 998 108 03 42 Tetteh Hormeku, +52 998 123 2628 Mithika Mwenda, mwemithika@yahoo.com |