Mt Kenya, once the only snow-capped mountain on the equator, but, unlike in the past when it was covered by snow, the effects of global warming have left it bare. (Photo Courtesy William Oeri /Nation)

Copenhagen/Abuja — The wide differences between developed and developing countries yesterday threatened the ongoing negotiations at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Framework Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen, Denmark as the European Union (EU) and China as well as Group 77 trade words over responsibility.

This is coming even as French and Brazilian governments have indicated their common interest in the framework that includes financial support for developing nations in Africa vis-a-vis climate change. According to them, "We are ready to work with the Nigerian authorities in order to get a fair and ambitious agreement in Copenhagen."

A joint statement signed by both governments through their Embassies in Abuja and made available to THISDAY, said that the two countries recognise that climate change is an imperative "that must be fully compatible with sustainable economic growth and the fight against poverty."

The EU earlier yesterday accused developing countries of not doing enough to justify new climate treaty, proposing that countries like China and India which are more advanced than other developing nations, should partly share the climate change adaptation and mitigation financial burden in developing countries.

While admitting that developing countries need 100 billion euro annually for climate change adaptation by 2020, the EU challenged China and India to share the international public financing of 22-50 billion euro a year with developed countries. The commission explained that it would contribute between 2 to 15 euro, adding that the rest should come from domestic sources and carbon markets in developing countries.

"Recent encouraging public statements from the big emerging economies (China, India and South Africa) about limiting their emissions growth need to be turned into concrete actions and put on the negotiating table."

But in a swift reaction Chief Negotiator of China on Climate Change and Deputy Head of the Chinese Delegation to COP15, Su Wei, condemned such propositions, saying "our friends from the EU should understand that China's resolve to reduce its greenhouse gas emission by 40-45 per cent by 2020 compared to 2005 is a domestic target."

He said the domestic target shows how responsible is China to international issues, adding that the target proposed by his country is in line with UNFCCC frameworks. "The EU position cannot be justified. Different countries have come up with different measures under Kyoto Protocol. The protocol among other UNFCCC agreements stipulate clearly what developed and developing cuntries should do.

The basic target is for the developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.. It is not right for EU to compare its responsibilities with the commitment merely undertaken by China."

Tracing the history of the cause of climate change, Wei said developed countries are responsible for the global warming which has resulted in climate change in the world. "This is why the UNFCCC frameworks make it clear that developed countries must reduce their emissions; while developing countries are also expected to take necessary steps in the direction of mitigation and adaptation in view of climate change."

Also a Nigerian delegate to the ongoing negotiations at Bella Centre in Copenhagen, Dr. Victor Fodeke yesterday said "it will amount to climate injustice" for the EU or any developed countries to "live in denial."

Fodeke, who is also the Head, Special Climate Change Unit in the Federal Ministry of Environment, said "any attempt by developed countries to run away from the truth will be rejected by the developing countries. It will be a wicked move to jeopardise the ongoing negotiations.

There is no doubt Africa is most vulnerable. Drought is there in Africa, Lake Chad is drying up and sea level is rising. Then how would you want to live in denial?"

Similarly Mrs. Grace Akumu, Technical Advisor to Kenya government on Climate Change explained that 34 out of the least developed countries (LDCs) are in Africa. "Developed countries pledged in 2001 to contribute $2.9 billion to assist the LDCs to implement their National

Adaptation Programmes of ction (NAPAs). But up till now the developed countries have only contributed $400 million. In the mean time, one country in Europe,

The Netherlands is financing a climate change related project in its country to the tune of $2.9 billion. Most LCDs have finished works on NAPAs but they have no funds to carry on. We suspended negotiations in Barcelona because we told

the developed countries that we wanted more commitments and seriousness from them. We still need this."

Mr.. Martin Khor of South Centre in Switzerland yesterday told THISDAY that "even if it is too late for Copenhagen to produce a lengthy and legally binding document, and only a 'political declaration' is now expected, issues of shifting the burden on developing countries among others will still form the basis for negotiations on this 'political declaration.'"

He therefore said a political declaration especially if it is in the form of decision also has a legal status and effect, "locks in the framework and parameters of the future negotiations Copenhagen will thus not be a 'picnic.'"