Time to make a difference

In December 2009 world leaders will meet in Copenhagen for crucial international talks about a strong new climate deal. This must insist on sharp cuts in carbon emissions from rich countries and include ways of financing clean development in poor communities. It mustn’t just mean relying on individuals to make lifestyle changes. The rich world cannot expect Southern delegations to accept blanket targets for emissions cuts. World leaders need to agree targets according to a country’s responsibility for emitting – and their capability to deal with the problem

We’re encouraged to write to Gordon Brown and to our MEPs because the UK negotiates as part of the EU at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change meetings.

As part of Christian Aid’s Countdown to Copenhagen Campaign we in Salisbury on Saturday 16 May will have a stall in the High Street where people will be approached and asked to sign postcards to the Prime Minister in which he is asked to sign the UK up to obligations that commit us, along with other rich countries, to make at least an 80% cut in domestic carbon emissions by 2050 and to assist and help to pay for developing countries to reduce their emissions, develop cleanly and adapt to climate change.

Rachel Lucas

Keep up with the latest news about the Copenhagen conference and climate change headlines through our links on the left-hand side.