Millions of children can die without climate aid: Oxfam
Oxfam has warned that at least 4.5 children in developing countries are at risk of dying in the absence of aid. Forcing poor countries to make difficult choices between life saving drugs, schooling, or protection against climate change is an unfair burden that will worsen poverty.
London: At least 4.5 million children could die if wealthy nations fail to provide more funds to help impoverished countries combat global warming, development charity Oxfam warned today.
- Sufia stands on the raised ground with her daughter/ Photo credit: Dan Chung/ Oxfam
The organisation said in a report it was concerned that industrialised nations would take money out of existing funds dedicated to economic development in order to help poor countries battle climate change.
"With only Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK in support of additional funds, Oxfam is concerned that December's climate negotiations in Copenhagen could fail, unless action is taken now by Heads of State," it said.
World leaders will meet in Denmark in December to negotiate a new climate pact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming.
Funds to help the world's poorest nations develop an environmentally-friendly economy and adapt to the consequences of global warming are major issues to be negotiated in the Danish capital December 7-18.
In a report titled Beyond Aid, Oxfam warned that 75 million fewer children are likely to go to school and 8.6 million less people could have access to AIDS treatment if aid is diverted to the fight against climate change.
"Forcing poor countries to choose between life saving drugs for the sick, schooling for their children or the means to protect themselves against climate change is an unfair burden that will only exacerbate poverty," said Barbara Stocking, chief executive of Oxfam Great Britain.
