Catholic agencies express sadness and anger at Copenhagen outcome

(December 21, 2009) Catholic aid agencies around the world have expressed sadness and anger at the proposed 'Copenhagen Accord' which they describe as a weak and morally reprehensible deal which will spell disaster for millions of the world's poorest people suffering because of climate change. Niamh Garvey from Trócaire/Caritas said: "People in developing countries are already struggling with the effects of climate change. Millions of people are now fighting to keep their heads above water while political leaders stall. Over the last decade, a lack of political will has hamstrung international efforts to tackle climate change whilst the impacts in developing countries have become increasingly severe. According to Bernd Nilles, Secretary General of CIDSE, the international alliance of 16 Catholic development agencies, “'It is inconceivable that with more than 100 world leaders gathered together in one room to make a pact to solve a global problem, they have failed to commit themselves to adequate and binding obligations.” The networks squarely blamed developed countries arguing that scientific evidence and economic analysis clearly set out what is required from industrialised nations in terms of reductions in green-house emissions and support for developing countries, and they failed to produce the goods. Lesley Anne Knight, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis insisted that leaders must now set a firm deadline for coming to a comprehensive and binding agreement as soon as possible in the coming months. CIDSE and Caritas believe the world must accept nothing less than a fair, ambitious and legally binding agreement which commits developed countries to greenhouse gas emissions cuts of more than 40% by 2020 -based on 1990 levels. The alliance also wants to see wealthy nationsprovide $195 billion in funding by 2020 - on top of existing aid commitments - to help developing countries harness green technologies and protect themselves from the worst impacts of climate change.