DRC & Africa Group: priority is adaptation & a two-track process

Tosi Mpanu Mpanu (August 2010)

Where: Bonn 2010: 13th AWG KP & 11th AWG LCA

Tosi Mpanu Mpanu, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), talks about his country's role as Chair of the Africa Group and the overriding priority of adaptation. He explains how despite the diversity of the 53+ countries in Africa, they still have common agreement on a commitment to a two-track process - as in they want a second commitment period post 2012. Although they are incredibly vulnerable, they remain rational according to the science. He says a two degree temperature would lead to a four degree rise in Africa. "Can you imagine a poor farmer who has to face this kind of rise? It would condemn him to certain death." He explains that they are willing to undertake the necessary actions, but is waiting for the North to catch up. He talks about the level of influence Africa has and how these negotiations depend on consensus.