Climate change is real. It is the greatest threat facing our planet, and it is threatening our livelihood. Climate change impacts include loss of water and food security, loss of our biodiversity and an increase in vector-borne diseases. Climate change is considered as the biggest hindrance to economic development and poverty alleviation.
Therefore, we Arab and non-Arab citizens of this World, who are vulnerable to the future impacts of climate change, call on all Arab leaders to recognize climate change as a priority issue on their agenda, and to adopt a strong position against climate change at the extraordinary Arab summit on economical, developmental and social issues in January 2009 including:
Support of at least a 60% global greenhouse gas reduction target by 2050 (with a 1990 baseline year) in order to keep the global temperature increase as far below 2ºC as possible;
Recognize the responsibility of fossil-fuel producing countries in pursuing climate change mitigation strategies and diversifying their energy economies;
Oppose the inclusion of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology and nuclear energy in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM);
Adopt binding but achievable commitments for the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, such as the gradual removal of fossil fuel subsidies, introduction of net metering and other renewable energy policies, energy efficiency targets, etc.;
Urge the World’s nations to reach a post-2012 climate agreement by the end of 2009 that includes the above.