Developing countries called on the rich on Tuesday to do more to lead the fight against climate change in line with scientific findings that global greenhouse gas emissions should fall to net zero by 2100 to avert the worst impacts.
About 190 countries are meeting in Lima from 1-12 December to decide elements of a deal, due to be agreed in Paris in a year’s time, to reverse a steady rise in greenhouse gases to limit risks of more floods, droughts, heat waves and rising sea levels.
Yesterday underscored how much work remains to reach a global deal despite optimism in recent weeks after China, the United States and the European Union outlined goals for curbing their emissions beyond 2020.
The group of least-developed nations said in a statement that rich counties should do “substantially more” to cut emissions and provide cash to enable the poor to curb greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
“Progress is not nearly enough,” said Marlene Moses of Nauru, speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States, which fear storm surges and rising sea levels.
Developed nations say they are already acting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and point to almost $10bn raised in recent weeks for a Green Climate Fund to help developing nations cope with climate change.
