The Green Climate Fund could become an empty shell even if it is operationalized at COP 17 because it is not structured and there is no political will to provide ‘start up finance’ as seed money, some international NGOs have claimed. Friends of the Earth and Climate Action Network International, said at a press briefing although prospects of establishing a climate fund at the UN climate talks in Durban were high, indications it could remain “an empty account”. “Nothing is being said about the money placed into the fund’s account,” Action Aid International’s Harjeet Singh said. He said Africans should unite at this point and stand for what they want at this last moment. Alden Meyer said Africa need a way forward. “The Heads of State did not come for mere fantasy,” but they should be clear on what they want and clearly define their position on issues. He said there is need for countries to unite in support for the second commitment to the Kyoto Protocol Meyer said in Durban there was a need to continue with the Kyoto Protocol with more countries especially developed nations; draw a new road map process in Durban; draft an aggressive work plan to close the ambitious gap of 2 degree C drop in temperature between commitment and what has been tabled and financially assist least developed countries. WWF Europe’s representative Jacob Anderson said the EU was too ambitious, but was divided because some countries supported Africa while others were against.
– By Effa Tambenkongho, ReportingDNA
