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Copenhagen (Agenzia Fides) – The International Cooperation for Development and Solidarity (CIDSE) and Caritas Internationalis represent 180 Catholic development agencies from North and South campaigning for a new deal on climate change that puts the needs of the poor first. They’re bringing representatives and bishops from 25 countries to the Copenhagen Climate Summit to lobby governments to seize this once in a generation chance to save the human family from a future of climate chaos, focusing particularly on the needs of the poorest countries. "Catholic communities around the world want to see their leaders take the necessary measures to safeguard our futures," said the Secretary General of CIDSE, Bernd Nilles. CIDSE and Caritas Internationalis are calling for a fair, effective and binding agreement in Copenhagen, including that developed countries must commit to at least $195 billion (round €131 billion) in public financing per year by 2020 to support developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change and to develop sustainably. The two Catholic organizations are also asking for a global commitment to keeping global warming well below 2°C and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 40%. Also, they ask that the results of Copenhagen will be legally binding and legally enforceable. Representatives of the two NGOs are from Mexico, Zambia, South Africa, North America, Pacific Islands, Mozambique, Kenya, and Europe. (AP) (10/12/2009 Agenzia Fides)
