SUMMER 2009 Climate Alert
The Copenhagen Challenge: Prospects for Successful Climate Negotiations [ PDF ]
In this Newsletter:
An Ethiopian Perspective
Effie George
For Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, climate change in Africa is a matter of accountability. Rich nations of the world, he argues, must be required to compensate African nations for the disastrous effects of climate change from the industrialized nations’ history of high emissions.
Citing theories that suggest that northern pollution was a factor in the Ethiopian famines in the 1980s, Zenawi stated, "Africa is going to be very significantly affected [by climate change]…some parts of the continent may become uninhabitable. Therefore, those that did the damage have to pay” [i].
Looking to future negotiations, Zenawi said, "Any agreement in Copenhagen which does not include substantial compensation for Africa would be illegitimate,” further adding, "I hope that it won't come to lawsuits" [ii]. Zenawi asked rich nations to consider the sovereignty of African nations, demanding an end to foreign aid to Africa with economic policy mandates attached. African nations need to be given space to develop their own economic policies while still receiving foreign aid, he argued, in order that they may prepare for continental crisis caused by climate change.
“I think the international community could and should provide adequate policy space, live up to its commitments of development assistance, limit global warming and pay compensation for the unavoidable damage caused by it," Zenawi said [iii].
Other Articles in this Newsletter:
Ecuador: A Sustainable Development Model
India: Poverty Eradication for Climate Adaptation
Africa and AMCEN: A United Front
South Africa: A Leader on the Continent
Red Alert: The Impact of Climate Change on Northwest Coast Tribal Fisheries
Russia: Emissions Without Concessions