Climate change – a defining development challenge

Climate change may be the defining development challenge of the 21st century, Dr Indrajit Coomaraswamy, Head of Economic Affairs at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said at a public lecture at Philips College, Cyprus, on 13 March 2008.

The event was organised as part of this year’s global Commonwealth Week activities, under the theme ‘The Environment – Our Future’.

Addressing high commissioners, government officials, academics and students at the economics, business and finance college in Nicosia, Dr Coomaraswamy stressed that ‘business as usual’ was no longer an option if an unprecedented reversal in the quality of life was to be avoided.

But he said there was an important window of opportunity for avoiding the most damaging climate change impacts: “The world has about a decade to change course. It lacks neither the financial resources, nor the technological capabilities to act.

“What is missing is the political will driven by a sense of urgency, human solidarity and collective interest.”

The Commonwealth, which cuts across a diverse range of developed and developing nations, is uniquely placed to respond to the challenges presented by climate change by bringing countries together on an equal footing to share knowledge, technology and expertise.

“Rich nations need to acknowledge their historic responsibility for the problem and to initiate deep and early cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the whole of humanity needs to undertake prompt and strong collective action based on shared values and a shared vision,” he said.

Citing the Lake Victoria action plan on climate change, agreed by Commonwealth leaders last November, he noted that work was already under way.

This was primarily focused on two areas: engagement of and awareness building among key stakeholders, including youth; and capacity-building and technical assistance, particularly for small states and least developed countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr Coomaraswamy said the Commonwealth was harnessing its substantial and diverse network of civil society and professional organisations to support its work in this respect, including the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, to sensitise parliamentarians about climate change issues.

On a positive note, he ended by saying that there is evidence that in some countries, ordinary citizens were leading the way and governments were being compelled to follow.

Key Links:

• Sustainability
• Country Profile: Cyprus
• Commonwealth Week