World leaders urged to develop action plans to address climate change

May Wong, Channel NewsAsia 30 Nov 09;

SINGAPORE: Next month's global conference on climate change in Copenhagen will see world leaders address key environmental issues.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has come up with ten proposals for them to consider at the meeting. These include the setting up of an annual US$160 billion fund for a five-year period and creating a legally binding framework to address climate change issues.

WWF is also urging world leaders to develop specific action plans like cutting down emissions from industrialised nations by 50 per cent by the year 2020.

It said on Monday that the impact of climate change is more real today and countries are becoming more aware of it. One example is how nations like Russia and China are now pledging their commitment to tackle environmental problems.

However, several factors could still derail negotiations at the upcoming climate change conference in Copenhagen.

Sandeep Chamling Rai, policy coordinator, Global Climate Initiative, WWF-Singapore, said: "Many of the developing countries have been betrayed by developed countries in the past, saying they would put finance (support) on the table, but no substantial (support) has been given.

"WWF is asking for 40 per cent of reduction with the base standard of 1990. If there won't be a substantial number or figure on the table, that will divert the whole thing."

China recently announced its plans to cut carbon emissions by 40 to 45 per cent from 2005 levels, by 2020. But in a video conference, WWF said it hopes China will increase its goal to 50 per cent or more instead.

Dr Yang Fuqiang, head of global climate solutions, WWF-China, said: "I'm trying to convince the Chinese government that they can actually do better. So far, China doesn't ask for funding from developed countries, so if they have technology transfer or other international cooperation... I think China can reach a higher target in 2020."

With China and the US committed to reducing carbon emissions, the WWF is optimistic that the Copenhagen meeting will bear some results.


- CNA/so