I am in Durban attending 'COP17' and I can't help but notice that there is no aspect of human living that has not been linked to climate change during this 17th Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Among the notable issues or aspects linked to climate change as depicted by the various exhibitions around the ICC in Durban where the conference is taking place include environment, agriculture,health, food and nutrition, literature, religion, technology, economics......
This is quite impressive. However, it is also a signal that perhaps we maybe diluting the problem by linking it to so many aspects that we are in danger of not realising how this phenomenon will have profound effects on the way that we live on this planet. We may also be in danger of not realising the significance that climate change is having by threatening the lives of millions of people that live on Small Island nations including Bangladesh where rising sea levels are a real menace to continuity. Africa is also extremely vulnerable particularly in regions that are susceptible to rising temperatures that have significantly changed lifestyles particularly for farming and pastoralist communities.
It is therefore important that while it is good that climate change and its anticipated effects have resulted in very good technological innovations (electric cars, solar electricity, recycled products e.t.c) world leaders and all well meaning world citizens do not lose the focus on what kinds of actions are needed to save our planet. It is a fact that climate change has the potential to increased business opportunities and economic growth particularly to those nations that have invested in clean energy. However, it is fundamentally important for us to also take a critical look at the way that we are affecting very vulnerable countries that are unable to invest in clean technologies and whose peoples are at the risk of suffering the worst consequences of unpredictable weather as a result of increased green house gases in the atmosphere.
COP 17 presents a chance for many great nations to show leadership by saving the Kyoto Protocol and committing to a new commitment period. It is also important that some of the historically polluting nations also provide resources for adaptation particularly for Africa and other vulnerable regions in addition to development aid. Bishop Desmond Tutu, urged world leaders to take action now because earth is the only home we have during an inter-faith rally held at Kings Park Stadium on Satrurday, 26th November, 2011 in Durban, South Africa. The rally was part of a serious of events in the 'We have Faith-Act Now for Climate Justice' campaign. The campaign has been mobilising youths and faith leaders to play an active role in putting pressure
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Youths present signed petitions in 'ark' to Bishop Tutu at the King Park stadium during interfaith rally |
