Remember the Kyoto Protocol? The only international legally binding framework the world has to reduce emissions? Signing it, to much fanfare, was Labor’s first significant act after being swept to victory in 2007. It signalled Australia’s willingness to finally join international action to fight climate change.
As world governments prepare to address issues of sustainable development at the Rio +20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development next month, join Oxfam for a conversation with inspiring small-scale women farmers from South Africa to find out how they are overcoming numerous challenges to feed their communities.
All eyes will be on Australia’s commitment to fighting climate change at the UN meeting in Bonn this week that will see countries signalling their support for the next stage of the Kyoto Protocol.
In Africa, location of this year’s UN Climate Summit, severe climate events are also impacting on people’s ability to grow food. More than 13 million people in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia are facing desperate food shortages following the worst drought in 60 years.
We are half a world away from the UN Climate Change Negotiations in Durban, but our fate is intertwined with the outcome of this South African meeting.