Green-growth models

Some of the countries most affected by climate change should be an “inspiration” to rich nations on how to reduce their emissions, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said yesterday.

Speaking at the Climate Vulnerable forum – which brings together countries most affected by climate change Mr Ban praised low-lying nations such as the Maldives, Costa Rica and Samoa for committing to be carbon neutral.

“In this time of global economic uncertainty, let (these countries’) commitment to green growth be an inspiration to more developed countries – the major emitters,” he said.

He said it was unfair, however, to “ask the poorest and most vulnerable to bear the brunt of the impact of climate change alone” and called for the release of agreed funds for poor countries to adapt to global warming.