Call for Participation

In a recent statement by the World Bank, five main threats arising from climate change were enumerated. These are: droughts, floods, storms, rising sea level , and greater uncertainty in agriculture. Five of the world's poorest nations top the list of the twelve countries at the higher risk. These are Malawi, Sudan, Bangladesh, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Malawi is a country identified to be most susceptible to droughts. Sudan, with a vast arid land will impact most in agriculture. Bangladesh and Vietnam, on the other hand is most vulnerable to rising sea levels, and the Philippines will face more frequent and intense storms.

In the international scene, discussions and debates on how to heighten the development and transfer of climate-friendly technology for mitigation and for adaptation are rife. Yet such talks are most often hijacked by concerns for profit that false solutions abound to what is a clear climate predicament. Still, it should be noted, that a low-carbon energy world cannot be quickly realized even as experts continue to note serious implications of non-urgent solutions being brought to the fore.

Sustainable development technologies are urgently needed, and corresponding policies and funds are required to accelerate technology development and deployment. Efforts to make such technologies accessible to where these are imperative-- whether towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions or in helping build climate-resilient communities and cope with destructive climate impacts.

People's lives and properties are increasingly challenged. The poor who barely have the means to protect themselves, to cope or withstand climate-induced tragedies are several times victimized. The need to bring the best mix of existing and new technologies and practices, appropriate, accessible sustainable technologies need to be addressed in no half measures.