What’s happening in Copenhagen in 2009?
The Copenhagen climate conference in December 2009 is the most important leaders’ gathering since the Kyoto protocol was adopted in 1997.
Copenhagen will see a new international climate deal agreed that will come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto treaty expires in 2012.
As such it will set the international framework to combat climate change into the next decade and beyond.
We need to take this opportunity to ensure a fair and effective deal for the world's poorest.
It’s probably the last chance the world has to keep global temperature rises below 2˚C.
What happens if global temperatures rise by more than two degrees?
Experts predict we’ll see:
acute water shortages for 1-3 billion people – that’s a fifth to three-fifths of humanity
sea levels increasing by up to 95cm by 2100, which will submerge 18% of Bangladesh
40-60 million more people exposed to malaria in Africa
30 million more people going hungry as agricultural yields diminish across the globe.
What does Christian Aid think needs to happen at Copenhagen to avoid this?
Rich industrialised countries, the ones most responsible for the emissions that are changing the world’s climate, must commit to cutting emissions by 80% by 2050.
But these cuts need to be made at home, not ‘offset’ overseas. We should not be asking poorer countries to make our reductions for us.
Richer countries need to pay a greater share of the cost of global cuts – on top of the actions they are taking domestically.
Technology that can help cut emissions while still allowing economic development must be made available to poorer countries to produce at a lower cost.
Rich countries have to financially support poorer ones in adapting to climate change.
Developing countries also have to play their part by bringing in emission-cutting laws that can be measured, reported and verified.
What is Christian Aid planning?
We want to create a mass movement that demands our leaders help deliver a fair and effective deal at Copenhagen.
And we'll be joining forces with our sister organisations in Europe to create a truly continential voice for change.
That’s why in the coming months, with your help, we’ll be taking the message to our prime minister, and members of the European parliament.
But without you, none of this will be possible.
What can you do?
Start by taking our Copenhagen pledge.
This commits you to campaigning for a fair, effective deal in Copenhagen. It is a pledge to do all you can to reduce your carbon footprint and to spread the word about our campaign.
So please sign up now.
They’ll be more to do as the months countdown to Copenhagen.
Come back to Act Now! regularly to see how we're doing.