Climate Change Working Group, CoNGO Committee on Sustainable Development, New York

We seek to elevate our conscious intention to empathize with the impact of climate change upon vulnerable peoples and nations and therefore call on countries to commit to required funding for adaptation and mitigation mechanisms.

• We propose that the reference to gender be maintained since women are disproportionately affected by climate change. Gender balanced participation in all aspects of adaptation strategies and national mitigation actions are necessary for women in societies that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
• We propose discussion of a new economic model that would embody social and ecological values that would enable developing nations to meet their needs adequately and sustainably for future generations. An unsustainable industry is factory farming to produce meat for consumption. This is a major factor in producing greenhouse gas emissions and forest decimation which reduces the earth’s natural mechanism to purify polluted air.
• We propose binding, verifiable, ambitious accords at COP15 reducing greenhouse gas emissions to achieve sustainable safe cumulative levels, incorporating equitably differentiated responsibilities for developed and developing countries, and substantial penalties for excessive emissions.
• Adopt adequate, equitable, and binding financial and technical commitments by developed countries to developing countries for mitigation and adaptation, with effective distribution of aid, and joint cooperative responsibility.
• Emphasize that unless substantial mitigation steps are taken, all countries will be increasingly affected in a myriad of severe, adverse ways: economically, environmentally, militarily, politically, medically, and psychologically. Global stability is threatened. There is no safe haven.

  Martha Gallahue
  November 20, 2009