"The worst impacts of climate change CAN be prevented, but only
if Governments act now," said Steve Sawyer, Climate & Energy
Policy Advisor for Greenpeace International. "Future generations
will not forgive us if we delay".
This conference, the first to be held in sub-Saharan Africa, is
expected to focus sharply on adaptation, and the need for urgent
support to the world's poorest, who are already being impacted by
climate change. Nowhere is this clearer than in Africa, and
Greenpeace's youth delegation, the Solar Generation will be
highlighting climate change impacts in Africa throughout the
conference.
"The legal, moral, and political obligations of the rich
countries are clear: they must dramatically reduce their emissions
and at the same time be prepared to provide massive support to help
the poorest countries adapt to the climate change that we are
already committed to," said Sawyer.
With developing countries across the world already being hit
first and worst by the impacts of climate change, today Greenpeace
will present its report and documentary, "Changes of Climate,
Changes of Lives", presenting testimonies from victims of climate
change across Brazil. The report and documentary also explore the
relationship between the destruction of the largest rainforest in
the world - the Amazon - and climate change; and how forest
destruction makes Brazil the fourth largest CO2 emitter in the
world.
"Brazil needs to take responsibility as one of the world's
biggest CO2 emitters. The Government must combat deforestation;
promote clean, renewable energy; and energy efficiency. The
Brazilian people have the right to know how vulnerable we are to
climate change and what our Government will do to reduce our
contribution to this problem," says Carlos Rittl, Greenpeace Brazil
Climate & Energy Campaigner.
"The 163 governments that have signed up to the Kyoto Protocol
need to put aside their short-term interests in favor of fighting
this global menace. That is in everyone's interest in the long
run", said Sawyer.
Other contacts: In Nairobi:Steve Sawyer, Greenpeace International +254 720 947 913Carlos Rittl, Greenpeace Brazil +254 720 947 921Mhairi Dunlop, Greenpeace International Communications, +254 720947934
Notes: Copies of the report and documentary are available in English from Mhairi Dunlop
Exp. contact date: 2006-11-17 00:00:00