Experts: Least Developed Countries Are Most Affected By Climate Change

Doha, March 07 (QNA) - A number of experts concerned with climate change affirmed that the least developed countries are the most affected by the problem of climate change in light of the challenges and problems that are accelerating before them, given the scarcity of resources and capabilities, pointing out that the Doha Programme of Action will provide these countries with development plans and achieve positive effects. This came during "Thematic Session 4: Climate Change", which was held on the sidelines of the third day of the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), in the presence of a number of experts and those concerned with the climate change file. The experts reviewed the most important challenges facing the LDCs regarding the climate change file, which will leave negative effects that will be reflected on the performance of those societies and leave dire repercussions in the event that appropriate and hoped-for solutions are not found, noting that the residents of the least developed countries depend mainly on agriculture and transportation through livestock and camels, and this is a key factor for them to be the countries most affected by climate change, which contributes to water shortages. They referred to many ambitious economic solutions and proposals to confront the challenges and circumstances that those countries are going through, stressing the need to build alternative energy in the least developed countries, in addition to strengthening the digital economy aspect, as there is a valuable opportunity by taking advantage of satellites that enhance data supporting climate resilience. In the same context, the experts reviewed the best ways to enhance the financing aspect, pointing out that there is a need to harness the stimulating environment through the presence of progressive support for projects concerned with climate change, exploiting and benefiting from innovative tools, and providing grants from donors. Experts stressed the need for African companies to invest in climate change, use modern technology and introduce carbon credit platforms, noting the need for major countries to abide by their promises towards the least developed countries to achieve prosperity and sustainable development in a fair and aspirational manner. The experts explained that addressing the root causes of climate change and increasing the resources available for adaptation are key to the future success and resilience of LDCs. In turn, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Simon Stiell indicated the importance of taking advantage of economic opportunities to enhance economic growth and create new jobs and markets, pointing out that the proportion of debts in the least developed countries came as a result of the disasters occurred in them. He explained that targeted investment and climate adaptation contribute to gathering human resources in enhancing resilience, adding that the least developed countries have wide potential to move forward towards renewable energy, but they are not financially capable. UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell confirmed that global markets are able to push quickly for the adoption of renewable energy, stressing the need to compel the private sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the same context, Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy in Denmark Dan Jorgensen reaffirmed that the least developed countries are the ones most affected by climate change, pointing out that the problems and challenges multiplied because of this problem. He added that climate change leaves great problems and additional burdens on the less developed countries, through its impact on livestock and camels due to the lack of water, noting that these communities send their children to schools by camel and depend mainly on agriculture, which causes great damage to their livelihoods due to climate change. (QNA)