Udviklingsminister Ulla Tørnæs’ tale på konferencen Climate Change and Development, 25. september 2006.
Climate Change and Development Goals
Presentation at Conference of the Danish Council for Development Cooperation
25 September, 2006
by Ms. Ulla Tørnæs, Minister for Development Cooperation, Denmark
[1. Introduction]
A couple of weeks ago, the “Economist” carried a special report on climate change. One of the key messages was that – and I quote – “The uncertainty surrounding climate change argues for action, not inaction”.
The consensus is growing. Climate change will undermine sustainable development and lead to deteriorating living conditions and increased poverty. Without action there is an increased danger that for many developing countries the Millennium Development Goals will not be reached.
Climate change and development is therefore what brings us together here in Copenhagen today. Over the years, the Danish Council for Development Cooperation has set the focus on a wide range of development issues. To focus on climate change and development goals – as we do at today’s conference – is not only important, – it is also very timely.
Let me express my sincere welcome to all of you. A special welcome to professor Mark Mwando-sya, Minister for Environment from Tanzania, prof. Jeffrey Sachs, who will be with us on a video link shortly, and Dr. Bob Watson, chief scientist at the World Bank.
The scientists are coming together and observing that signs and trends are worrying. The changes in the climate already have strong effects. Pakistan, India, China and North Korea have all been hit by heavy rains leading to devastating floods and landslides.
In Africa and China, farmland that used to be suitable for maize and rice production is too dry for these crops. In West Africa, rivers are shrinking and water wells are drying out. In Pacific and the Caribbean islands and Central America, infrastructure is being devastated by extreme weather events.
Countries all over the world are affected by climate change. Valuable assets and livelihood for mil-lions of people are at stake. Recent analyses by the World Bank and the OECD suggest that 20 to 40 per cent of ODA and public concessional finance is subject to climate risk.
Although all countries are exposed to climate change, the poorest countries and the poorest people are the most vulnerable. In most developing countries natural resources – land, water and forests – provide the backbone to livelihood. Caught in poverty the populations in many of these countries do not have the resources needed to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
[2. Key approaches]
This is why Denmark has decided to make climate change a priority theme in Danish development cooperation. For this purpose, I launched the “Danish Climate & Development Action Programme” last year.
The objective of the Programme is to “climate proof” Danish development cooperation so that our efforts to promote social and economic development become more effective and sustainable. In pursuing this objective, we follow four key approaches:
First of all, we know that climate change affects people’s livelihoods. Addressing climate change is therefore an integral part of the fight against poverty and of making sure that the Millennium De-velopment Goals will come true.
Second, we think it is better to take precautionary action than to risk human and economic losses. The cost of precautionary action will in many cases be relatively modest in relation to no – or too late action. We are still at an early stage in assessing these costs. But a World Bank report to the recent annual meeting in Singapore suggests a cost increase at 5-20 % in climate sensitive invest-ments. The lack of exact knowledge of the impacts of climate change must, however, not be an excuse for inaction.
Third, we take a “learning-by-doing” approach. We need to move from analysis to action. We wish to take a practical approach and use the knowledge that already exists, – not least at community level. And learn as we move forward.
And finally: Today I have focused on adaptation to climate change. But we should not forget miti-gation of climate change. This is of course a key issue in the efforts to address climate change, but I am not going to elaborate on this issue here.
[3. Making use of the Programme – an example from Vietnam]
So where are we today? The first experience from making use of the Action Programme has been gained from Vietnam, Tanzania and Mozambique. Work in these countries has been carried out in cooperation with the UNEP Risø Centre.
You will find a brief report on the activities in these countries in the folders.
But let me illustrate what I mean by using an example from Vietnam. In December, we helped carry out a so-called “climate check” in Vietnam. As a result a number of projects were identified of which three have already been initiated.
The Vietnamese have over the years accumulated a considerable amount of weather data. This data is today used in some limited areas. But provides an excellent stating point for a much wider appli-cation, for example in agriculture.
Through capacity building and training of farmers, seasonal weather forecasts can be made useful for the farming communities in areas that are vulnerable to climate change. Traditional farming practices may in some areas need to be adapted to the changing conditions. Close cooperation with farmers and use of weather data can bring lasting benefits.
Let me add that in Vietnam management of adapting mangrove forests to the effects of climate change is an area where cooperation between Denmark and Vietnam has already been initiated. This is a programme that can also improve the protection of coastal areas, agricultural land and in-frastructure.
The underlying dynamics of climate change might be complex. But as I have described with the Action Programme, we try to address the problem in a practical way.
[4. The way forward]
Where do we go from here?
First, we wish to take stock of the experience gained from Vietnam, Tanzania and Mozambique. Many interesting lessons have been learnt. But we are only at an early stage.
Secondly, we wish to exchange lessons with other development partners. Tomorrow, an interna-tional expert meeting will be held here in Copenhagen to focus on climate resilient development strategies. I trust that this meeting will be a good opportunity to exchange experience and give di-rections for further work. And I look forward to learning about the outcome of the meeting.
Thirdly, we wish to move forward in using the Danish Climate & Development Action Programme. In the next phase, it is our intention to engage with our partners in Nicaragua, Bolivia and Bangla-desh. To initiate actions in these countries and with other potential partners, it is my intention to allocate 20 million kroner for pilot activities in 2007. This amount comes on top of the 20 million kroner that I this year have allocated for the first pilot activities.
[5. Conclusion]
Before concluding, I wish to thank the World Bank and the OECD for working to set climate change at the development agenda. Both institutions are co-sponsoring the international expert meeting tomorrow. We are pleased to work with the Bank and the OECD in this important area and pleased to see colleagues from the two organizations present here today.
At the Bank’s Annual Meeting – from where I returned a few days ago -, the Bank presented its “Investment Framework for Clean Energy and Development”. This framework from which I have already made a few quotes lays an excellent foundation for further work in this area.
Similarly, the OECD – at a meeting of development and environment ministers in April – decided to develop guidance for integration of adaptation to climate change into development cooperation. It is important to develop common approaches in this area. Denmark looks forward to working with the OECD to bring this work forward.
Finally, I wish to emphasize that addressing the challenge of climate change cannot wait. As the Economist stated: The uncertainties linked to climate change speak for action, – not inaction.
The problem does not belong to a distant future. It is here now. And developing countries are in the front line. Without action, developing countries are the first to pay the price in terms of human suf-fering and economic costs. Therefore, it is in our interest to act now.
Thank you.
