| Malawi citizens have spoken. Here is what they had to say to world leaders regarding the UNFCCC CoP15 talks |
Mitigate Now! |
| Strong policies should be implemented for those countries with high emissions of greenhouse gases. Developed countries must adopt new and clean technologies to reduce emissions. |
| Funding is essential |
| There is need to set up an international organisation of Annex 1 countries to fund least developed countries to deal with climate change. |
| Unity in Agreement! |
| CoP15 should result in a united global agreement to slow down the rapid rate at which climate change is occurring. Developed and developing countries must speak with one voice. |
| Restore Forests, Improve Air Quality |
| Malawians want an agreement to be reached that will compel countries to restore forests in order to improve air quality. |
| Lead by Example |
| Developed countries must lead by example by committing to substantial cuts in their greenhouse emissions and actually walk their talk. |
|
| For more information on what citizens of other countries voiced, visit wwviews.org |
On Saturday September 26th, Malawi became part of the first ever global Worldwide Views on Global Warming Event which took place in 39 countries worldwide. September 26th saw 104 representatives of communities countrywide queuing to voice their concerns on climate policy through this event that took place in Lilongwe at the Malawi Institute of Management. The event was aimed at giving an opportunity to citizens all over the world to influence climate policy targeting the upcoming UNFCCC CoP15 negotiations in December 2009.
In Malawi, British Council took the lead in making the event a reality. Julian Baker, the Director of British Council in Malawi said it saw the event as a chance for the British Government to support Malawi in its efforts to implement and influence local and global climate policy.
"Malawi as a developing country cannot be a spectator in climate change but needs to participate in addressing it", said the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment, Honourable Ephraim Chiume MP who graced the occasion as guest of honour. He continued to say worldwide views was only the beginning in government’s consultation of communities in climate policy formulation and it would make sure that the citizens’ voices are heard in its continued commitment to environment conservation.
Meanwhile, participants agreed that the event was important as it addressed problems they are facing in their everyday lives due to climate change. ‘’Climate change is a threat to the livelihoods of people, especially to future generations. Now rainfall is scarce, and if the pattern continues, there may be no rain at all in the future and therefore no food. And when there is no food, it increases illiteracy levels as parents can no longer feed their families and children marry young in an attempt to get food”, said Mary Chingwaru a citizen from Nsanje which is one of the hardest hit districts by climate change.
Commenting on the effects of CoP15 negotiations, Mr Thoza Lidi, another citizen from Nsanje district said it is important for the UNFCCC talks to come to an agreement so that the world can start resolving this problem of climate change.
Julian Baker acknowledged CEPA and other members of the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC), Bunda College of Agriculture, the Environmental Affairs Department, Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, and the Department of Forestry for contributions in making the Worldwide Views on Global Warming event a success in Malawi.
|
