Climate vulnerable forum commit to stronger climate action
The Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) agreed on Friday November 18, 2016, during its 2016 High Level Meeting at the UN Climate Change Conference at Marrakech (UNFCCC COP22), that climate action does not limit development – it strengthens it and all Forum members committed to take actions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Ministers and heads of delegations of the CVF adopted the Marrakech Communiqué and the Marrakech Vision. The Communiqué called for greater ambition emphasizing that any country with an NDC not yet compliant with its fair share consistent with the Paris Agreement’s long-term goal must update contributions by 2020 at the latest. It also called on honouring commitments, investing in climate finance and the need to transform market place.
The Vision adopted recognizes the steps the Forum will undertake to keep the dangers of climate change to an absolute minimum and extend this to maximize the advantage taken of the benefits of climate action, including striving to achieve 100% renewable energy the latest between 2030 and 2050.
Climate Vulnerable Former-Forum Chair, H.E. Dr. Gemedo Dalle, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change invited all CVF members to pursue robust domestic climate action, and to encourage other countries to deliver the targets the Forum has embraced. Minister Dalle added: “Without stronger climate action, we might not survive, and this is not an option.”
H.E. Mr. Mattlan Zackhras, Hon. Minister in Assistance to the President of the Marshall Islands said that this is a turning point in climate leadership and transformation that is bound to secure a safer future for vulnerable communities. Minister Zackhras added: “We are pioneering the transformation towards 100% renewable energy, but we want other countries to follow in our foot steps in order to evade catastrophic impacts we are experiencing through hurricanes, flooding and droughts.”
H.E. Ms. Evelyn Cruzada, Office of the Cabinet Secretary of the Philippines said that climate actions will generate the income needed to finance adaptation plans. Secretary Cruzada added: “climate action is not optional, and neither is the developed countries obligation to support climate resilient development. Adaptation is central to the ability of vulnerable countries like the Philippines too thrive.”
H.E. Mr. Edgar Gutierrez, Hon. Minister of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica said that meeting the 1.5C target requires an immediate sense of urgency from all parties. Secretary Gutierrez added: “We don’t know what countries are still waiting for to move towards net carbon neutrality and 100% renewable energy, all parties should start the transition, otherwise we will all suffer.”
Dr. Saleemul Huq, Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Development, Bangladesh; Chair of the CVF Expert Advisory Group said that CVF’s unprecedented leadership in this declaration challenges other countries into action. Dr. Huq added: “I am moved to be witnessing this historic moment, the CVF countries have paved the way to a much safer, healthier and prosperous world.”
Ms. Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner, Marshallese Poet performed her poem turning the focus on the consequences of inaction on human dignity.
Commenting on the next steps H.E. Mr. Kare Chawicha, State Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Ethiopia said that mitigating climate change impacts require concerted efforts and engagement of the whole spectre of society from government to citizens. State Minister Chawicha added: “We pledge to inform and educate everyone about climate risks and the impact of taking action, from government contributions to the smallest initiatives by individuals.”
