CARE’s Recommendations for COP23

Advocacy

Today, climate change already causes harm, loss and damage, notably amongst the poorest and most vulnerable people and nations on this planet who have contributed the least to the causes of the problem. Fiji, the COP23 presiding country, and many other Pacific islands and vulnerable countries stand out as key examples for today’s harsh climate reality, as well for active solutions promoted to tackle climate change.

Supporting the most vulnerable people in CARE’s view means, however, not to regard them as victims, but as key agents of change who can develop, innovate and share solutions appropriate to their specific circumstances. Governments, businesses, civil society and other relevant stakeholders need to ramp up action to ensure the world rapidly shifts to zero emission and climate-resilient development pathways in order to achieve the agreed goals of the Paris Agreement (PA). Increasing the resilience of the poorest and most vulnerable, many of whom are women and girls, and cutting emissions to limit the rate of climate change are two sides of the same coin:

COP23 must advance and initiate concrete climate action, based on principles of human rights and equity, and achieve key progress in the government’s’ negotiations over the Paris Agreement’s concrete modalities. COP23 should also provide an impetus for further dialogue and increased country ambition in terms of greenhouse gas emissions reduction and support to vulnerable populations by accelerating action under the Marrakesh Partnership for Global Climate Action, and other initiatives.