UN recommends climate change adaptation plans

Mr. Micheal Keating, UNDP Resident Representative

LILONGWE, 30th November 2007 – The United Nations (UN) in Malawi has recommended that the country should quicken to put in place climate change adaptation plans and to start implementing them.

UN resident coordinator in Malawi Michael Keating made the recommendation at a press briefing in Lilongwe aimed at creating awareness on the global launch of the Human Development Report (HDR).  The 2007/2008 HDR was launched in various world capitals on November 27, 2007 under the theme "Fighting climate change: Human solidarity in a divided World".

The HDR provides a bleak description of the threat posed by global warming. It argues that the world is drifting towards a “tipping point” that could lock the world’s poorest countries and their poorest citizens in a downward spiral, leaving hundreds of millions facing malnutrition, water scarcity, ecological threats, and a loss of livelihoods.

The report calls for a “twin track” approach that combines stringent mitigation to limit 21st Century warming to less than two Degree Celsius with strengthened international cooperation on adaptation.

On mitigation, the HDR calls on developed countries to demonstrate leadership by cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050. The report also advocates a mix of carbon taxation,

more stringent cap-and-trade programmes, energy regulation, and international cooperation on financing for low-carbon technology transfer.

The HDR also states that there is a window of opportunity for avoiding the most damaging climate change impacts, but that window is closing.

“The world has less than a decade to change course. Actions taken—or not taken—in the years ahead will have a profound bearing on the future course of human development,” states the report. “The world lacks neither the financial resources nor the technological capabilities to act. What is missing is a sense of urgency, human solidarity and collective interest.”

Commenting on the HDR, Keating said climate change is indeed affecting human development dramatically and that natural disasters would have negative effects on social, economic and political lives of people in the developing world including Malawians.

“Climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is a food security issue, an economic growth issue and also a health issue which must be tackled from all fronts,” said Keating.

He said climate change would pose dismal consequences for the agro-based economy in Malawi since top soil is removed during flooding, affecting food production negatively.

The UN resident coordination said developing countries, including Malawi, will require the support of wealthy countries to adapt to the effects of climate change.

“Malawi needs to be active in identifying new sources of funding which will help the country in implementing adaptation plans,” said Keating.

He also recommended that Malawi should work together with other developing countries to form strong partnerships to ensure that their voice is taken into account in international fora aimed at fighting climate change.

Keating pledged that the UN will continue working hand-in-hand with government’s adaptation plans.

For information, please contact:
Susan Muguro on +265 (0)1 773 500 Ext 294 or susan.muguro@undp.org

ABOUT UNDP:The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

Further information can be found at www.undp.org.mw