The world leaders are gathering in Copenhagen to close the negotiations on a climate agreement. But the status of the negotiations is messy and a fair deal seems to be out of reach unless leaders take action.

Humanitarian organisation CARE International says the world’s poorest people most vulnerable to the impact of climate change will suffer, after their needs were left out of the main text to be considered by world leaders over the next two days.

Heading into the homestretch of negotiations at the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, CARE is deeply concerned by the lack of financial commitments to the world’s most vulnerable communities - and by language that could guide the implementation of adaptation assistance.

“All the talk about giving the most vulnerable a say in how they adapt to climate change has given way to a draft agreement that renders them voiceless,” said Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive of CARE International UK.

“Least responsible for the problem but forced to live with its harshest effects, poor people must be partners alongside national governments and multilateral organisations in finding solutions to one of the greatest challenges of our time.”

This setback comes after developing nations stalled negotiations and flirted with the idea of a walkout, saying their concerns were being ignored. The talks have resumed, but so have fears that poor people will be the ones to lose out in the end.

“Forget fears of a walkout. Poor people around the world are facing a ‘talkout’ in Copenhagen. Helping the most vulnerable populations and people have a voice in this climate change agreement is everyone's responsibility. They are least to blame for climate change. Their lives hang in the balance. Take leadership,” urged Mr Dennis, speaking in Copenhagen.

Specifically, CARE is urging delegates to assure that any final agreement includes:

· Language prioritiSing the world’s most vulnerable populations. Otherwise, adaptation resources are unlikely to reach the people who need it most

· A country-driven, gender-sensitive approach. Women shoulder the greatest burdens of climate change and are best positioned to help their families adapt.

· Languages guaranteeing all relevant stakeholders are involved. For adaptation programs to work, vulnerable people must participate in decision-making that impacts their community at all stages of adaptation, from design to implementation to monitoring and reporting. This will assure inclusiveness and ownership.

· Strong near-term and long-term financial commitments to help poor communities strengthen their resilience in the face of climate change

CONTACTS

Copenhagen: Gill Amas, +44 78 4183 9276, amas@careinternational.org

Marie Sisse Brown, +45 53 72 72 40, sbrown@care.dk

Sandra Bulling, + 45 53 11 26 44, bulling@care.de

Geoffrey Dennis, CARE International UK Chief Executive, is currently in Copenhagen and available for media interviews.

CARE is a leading aid organisation with more than 60 years’ experience fighting global poverty and delivering emergency assistance. In 70 countries, CARE works with the poorest communities to improve basic health and education, enhance rural livelihoods and food security, increase access to clean water and sanitation, and expand economic opportunity. Our long-term development assistance and emergency relief initiatives are currently benefiting about 55 million people around the world. In response to the growing crisis, CARE is helping the most world’s most vulnerable communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.