Tiempo Climate Cyberlibrary

Least Developed Countries’ Needs

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Mohammed Reazuddin describes the actions taken by the Least Developed Countries to tackle climate change and the assistance that they need. The author is Director of the Department of Environment, Government of Bangladesh, and current chair of the Least Developed Countries Group in the climate change negotiations.

Climate change is a great challenge to humanity whose vulnerable communities feel its impacts most. The survival of many poor country citizens is at risk if this challenge is not confronted in an effective way. Only strong political will can deal with climate change and make real progress with reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have eagerly awaited developed nation emissions reductions, in line with the targets committed to under the Kyoto Protocol. But sadly, LDCs have experienced lengthy negotiation processes and little action.

In December 2005 in Montréal, nations gathered for the first Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. LDCs wanted proof of political will by all industrialized countries party to the Protocol. Unfortunately, by reneging on their commitments, they instead challenged the credibility of the Protocol. LDCs want to see current commitments met, and agreement reached on a regime for future emissions reductions. They also want emissions reductions by industrialized countries not party to the Kyoto Protocol.

LDCs are trying hard to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, but climate change destabilizes efforts towards economic and social progress. Adaptation to climate change is a vast and costly task, especially for poor nations, and any delay in efforts to reduce emissions will increase the risks and costs of adverse impacts, thus frustrating development efforts.

Despite their limited capacities, LDCs have worked hard under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Most are preparing or have prepared National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs), thus showing their commitment to adaptation to climate change. Industrialized nations must now honour their own commitments.

Urgent and real progress is needed in two areas. First, LDCs need emission reductions fast. Second, they need immediate and adequate funding and resources for adaptation needs and priorities and compensation for damages from the unavoidable adverse impacts of climate change. If voluntary contributions do not deliver, then binding commitments might be needed to secure enough funding to implement NAPAs.

Lastly, technology development and transfer is key. LDCs want to see action to:

• support technology development, particularly adaptation technologies;
• facilitate access to environmentally-friendly technologies to reduce emissions;
• promote pro-poor Clean Development Mechanism projects with high sustainable development benefits;
• build LDC capacity, especially under the Kyoto Protocol; and,
• secure funding for technology transfer.

Further information
Mohammed Reazuddin, Department of Environment, Poribesh Bhaban E-16, Agargaon, Shere Bangla Nagar Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh. Email: reaz@doe-bd.org. Web: www.doe-bd.org.