We created climate change—Obama
US President Barack Obama has admitted that most extreme weather conditions experienced across the globe such as droughts, heat-waves, floods, rising sea levels and shorter or prolonged rainy seasons are all a creation of worthy nations.
Speaking on Monday during the opening of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris France, Obama said the US recognises its role in creating problems associated with climate change.
“I have come here personally as leader of the largest economy and second largest emitter to say that US not only recognises our role in creating this problem [climate change problem] we embrace our responsibility to do something about it,” said Obama in his 13 minutes 46 seconds speech delivered to over 150 heads of states and governments.
While accepting responsibility, Obama said actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions do not lie with one nation but in collective action.
“No country small or large, rich or poor is immune to climate change,” he said.
He therefore, called on world leaders and delegates to ensure that the new climate change deal to be finalised by December 11 2015, is legally binding and one that lifts people from poverty.
Obama’s sentiments were echoed by Russian President Vladimir Putin who called for participation of both developed and developing nations in the fight against climate change.
However, Sam Ogallah of Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (Pacja), a continental coalition of Civil Society Organisations said Obama’s speech fell short of action. He said it was the “usual rhetoric we have heard from USA before”.
“USA and other developed nations need to go beyond mere acceptance of responsibility but needs to act now. That speech has no action in it,” said Ogallah.
South African president Jacob Zuma said rich nations, given their historical responsibility, must take the lead and honour their existing commitments to reduce carbon emissions.
Said Zuma: “In this regard‚ climate finance must be scaled up significantly beyond the $100-billion mark for the post-2020 period.
“Should the developed nations fail to play their part‚ an impression will be created that the climate change crisis was caused by a few privileged nations who are not sympathetic about its impact on the majority.”
Oh his part, UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon said time for politicking and blaming each other is over. He said it is time to write a new script for a better future for generations to come.
Ki-moon said global leaders need to choose the path of compromise, consensus and flexibility.
“Bold climate change action is in the interest of every state. Paris must mark a decisive point. We need to go much faster to limit global warming and we need a universal, meaningful and robust climate change agreement. We cannot afford indecision,” said Ki-moon.
Africa has a continent has for the past 20 years of climate change negotiations been asking developed countries to compensate developing countries.
Africa’s argument is that the continent’s contribution through greenhouse gas emissions is insignificant. Africa is very vulnerable to climate change given its low capacity to respond and adapt.
According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), when comparing the greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the typical African country with the typical European country, the Europeans emit roughly 50-100 times more, while the Americans emit 100-200 times more.
