Arab World´s concerns about climate change

The Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) disclosed a memorandum on the preparations for the climate change negotiations at the Cancun Summit in December. AFED also presented the main results of its report on "Impact of Climate Change on Arab Countries." AFED Secretary General Najib Saab presented the memorandum that AFED had addressed to Arab governments on the upcoming Cancun climate change summit, saying that: "The role that Arab countries should play towards achieving practical results and effective agreements is not merely an obligation, but a real necessity for the Arab region, which has an undisputable interest in an international binding agreement to mitigate climate change as well as to adapt to its serious impacts, especially that the Arab region is among the most affected by it. In order for Arab countries to benefit from the international support which they need to adapt to the effects of climate change, they need to play a constructive role in achieving an effective international treaty when the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012." AFED concluded by affirming that "Challenges facing the Arab world due to climate change are immense, but we believe that it is possible to succeed if Arab countries undertake fast and efficient steps, primarily in their own interest and for their benefit, especially in the fields of water and energy". AFED also hoped that the Cancun conference "Will be a chance to affirm a constructive and effective Arab presence, so that Arabs, as major stakeholders, can be full partners in arriving at the needed decisions." Further information on EMWIS website.