Groups ask Saudi Arabia to rethink climate change position

A coalition of Nigerian climate change policy activists has joined the call on Saudi Arabia to stop hindering climate change negotiations.

According to these activists, the protest which held last week in front of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Lagos is one of 15 protests which took place in different developing countries.

The protesters, who included members of the Young People Initiatives, Talk Village International and Pioneer for Change Nigeria, carried a banner with the inscription: "Poor People Can't Drink Oil".

They also presented a letter to the Saudi Consulate General, outlining their concerns. Saudi Arabia has long been perceived as obstructing the treaty on global warming.

Support poor nations

According to Excellence Uso, head, programmes and policy at the YPI and Saudi Action Campaign coordinator in Nigeria, the action is aimed at urging Saudi Arabia to stop obstructing the current climate change negotiations, and to support the poorest and most vulnerable countries in their position.

"Saudi Arabia considers an ambitious climate agreement a threat to its oil trade, and historically, it has tried to prevent countries from reaching such an agreement," he said. "Many NGOs are concerned about the increased delay tactics of the Saudi Arabian delegation in the negotiation process and how it is affecting the urgent needs of the poorest and most vulnerable communities." Stephen Oguntoyinbo, coordinator of Talk Village International, added that Saudi Arabia's reluctance is weakening the position of developing countries.

"Young activists in Nigeria believe that Saudi Arabia is weakening the position of the G77+China by preventing them from reaching a consensus on key issues, such as an aggregate target for developed countries' emissions reduction by 2020," he said.

The Group of 77 is the largest intergovernmental organisation of developing states in the United Nations.

Big players

The executive director of Pioneer for Change Nigeria, Gbadamosi Olalekun, explained that the support of Saudi Arabia is essential because a consensus is required in the climate negotiation process.

He said the country, which is the world's largest producer of oil, has the largest delegation in the negotiations and their input is very significant.

Mr. Oguntoyinbo said the climate change negotiations which held in Barcelona, Spain from November 2 to November 6 and others before it are building up to the main event at Copenhagen in December.

The Copenhagen Conference, scheduled for December 7-18, is aimed at setting the mid-term emission reduction targets for developed countries under the Kyoto Protocol, and making substantial arrangements for the implementation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Nations and groups like the G77+China are expected to present their consensus positions.

Copenhagen ‘09

Mr. Oguntoyinbo also said over 100 youth would be representing Nigeria at the youth segment of the Copenhagen conference and some of them who are knowledgeable with issues will be making presentations. He, however, decried the dearth of knowledge of the issues on global warming and climate change even amongst educated youth in Nigeria.

"It's everyone's responsibility to ensure that global warming is reduced and the best way to start is to educate the public on these issues which affect their lives. I suggest that the education on climate change be put in secondary school syllabus. Religious bodies should also join the campaign, because this thing affects all of us," he said.