Press releases

Press Release No. 800

For use of the information media. Not an official record

Climate change alliance between europe and developing world crucial to world’s poor

LISBON/GENEVA 7 November 2007 (WMO) – The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says a planned alliance between the European Union and developing countries to counter the impacts of climate change can help millions of the world’s poorest respond to water shortages, migration and sustain climate-friendly economic development.

WMO Secretary-General Mr Michel Jarraud today spoke at the second edition of the European Development Days event in Lisbon Portugal. The theme of the event is Climate Change and Development Cooperation and is being hosted by the European Commission and Portugal.

WMO is the United Nations’ authoritative voice on weather, climate and water and runs science-backed programmes that help countries, particularly in the developing world, mitigate and adapt to climate change and prevent related extreme weather events from turning into natural disasters.

Mr Jarraud welcomed the Initiative to establish a Global Climate Change Alliance between the European Union and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change, which was proposed by European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Assistance Louis Michel. The initiative forms part of the Commission’s efforts to respond to climate and energy issues.

“Climate change is a global issue, but the world’s least developed and other poor countries are the most vulnerable to the possible effects of climate change,” Mr Jarraud said. “Therefore, a partnership with the European Union, like the Global Climate Change Alliance, can indeed be a way forward, since its benefits will also be global.”

Extreme hydrometeorological events account for 90% of all natural disasters. Projections show climate change will hit hardest least developed and vulnerable countries, along with small island developing states. Recurrent droughts, overgrazing and poor soil management result in land degradation and contribute to desertification, particularly in the most arid and semiarid areas.

“These countries have much fewer resources to prepare accordingly,” Mr Jarraud said. “If their populations must leave their livelihoods behind due to sea level rises or a lack of drinking water for example, millions will be forced to migrate to other regions of the world, including Europe.”

Funding is needed to respond to such realities, but a global alliance can use and reinforce existing initiatives to adapt to and mitigate against climate change-related events.

European countries can use the alliance to seek stronger commitments from developing countries to promote sustainability practices, including increased effort to curb deforestation and environmentally sound agricultural practices.

Regional effort is needed to strengthen National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in developing countries to improve weather and climate observations, education and training, public awareness and capacity building.

WMO contributes to sustainable land use by supporting the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the Food and Agriculture Organization and other agencies. It also strengthens food security through modern agro-meteorological practices and supports water resources management through its World Hydrological Cycle Observing System initiative.

WMO also operates programmes focussing on capacity building and technology transfer to developing countries, particularly in regard to disaster risk reduction, food security, climate and water.

WMO is the United Nations’ authoritative voice on weather, climate and water
For more information please contact:
Ms Carine Richard-Van Maele, Chief, Communications and Public Affairs, WMO.
Tel: +41 (0)22 730 83 15.

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