A man is catching fish in a nearly dried pond at a village in Samraong commune, Prek Pnov district, Phnom Penh. Heng Chivoan
The Group of the 47 Least Developed Countries (LDC Group) on Wednesday appealed to the UN General Assembly (UNGA 75) for cooperation to solve the global climate crisis and the need for aid to ensure they can achieve their climate goals.
LDC Group chair Sonam P Wangdi said as the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic and the worsening climate crisis, international cooperation has never been more important.
He said world leaders needed to step up to respond collectively to the crises.
“As leaders come together to work on solutions for a world crisis, it’s imperative that the climate emergency remains at the forefront of considerations. Plans for economic recovery must be aligned with the aims of the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.
“Leaders must make deep cuts to global emissions urgently, while at the same time increase support to vulnerable countries in efforts to adapt to climate change and build the resilience of at-risk communities.
“A safer and more prosperous future for all is possible,but it will require bold action and leadership, and far-reaching transformations across society. This is what we expect from leaders at UNGA 75, not just dealing with the pandemic but also the very real and increasingly devastating climate crisis,” he said.
The LDC Group, which includes representatives from Cambodia and countries throughout Africa, the Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean, believe they will be on the path to climate-resilient development by 2030 and achieve zero emissions by 2050 to ensure that society and ecosystems thrive.
Tek Vannara, the executive director of the NGO Forum on Cambodia, said climate change was largely caused by greenhouse gas emissions produced by developed countries with large industries. The call of poor countries for more cooperation is warranted, he said.
Vannara added that resource-rich countries should consider taking more action to provide free resources or transfers of green technology to poor countries. They could also provide knowledge and train people around the world so they can adapt to climate change and minimise greenhouse gas emissions.
“The call of poor countries is positive for the planet because it is experiencing global warming and climate change on almost every continent.
“This year, our Mekong region saw slow rainfall and less water, with insufficient water flowing into the Tonle Sap Lake to spawn fish and sustain biodiversity. This is a risk to food security and the survival of humans and animals,” Vannara said.
