Mr. Thomas Becker, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Climate and Energy in Denmark, visited Grenada on Monday May 18, 2009 to discuss Denmark’s hopes for the upcoming 15th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework on the Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) – COP 15 – in Copenhagen, in December 2009. Denmark will be the president COP 15.
While in Grenada, Mr. Becker had a courtesy visit with the Minister of Foreign Affiars, Hon. Peter David and held a meeting with Mr. Timothy Antoine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, under whose portfolio climate change falls. He also met with the members of Grenada’s negotiating team.
At the meeting, Mr. Becker stated that a successful outcome of COP 15 would mean mandatory cuts in carbon emissions by developed countries over the next eight (8) years; significant movement in respect of the reduction of carbon emissions by large developed countries; the adoption of low carbon strategies by middle income countries, such as Grenada; and the provision of financing for adaptation in small states such as Grenada.
He expressed pleasure in the strong role being played by the Alliance of Small Island States, (AOSIS), which consists of 43 small island states, and of which Grenada is currently the Chair through Ambassador Dessima Williams, noting as he put it, “AOSIS is a strong moral voice in the climate change debate and its role is critical to a favorable outcome in Copenhagen.” He applauded the quality of Grenada’s negotiators, led by Mr. Leon Charles.
In response, Mr. Antoine conveyed Grenada’s position, stating that given Grenada’s vulnerability, climate change remains a top priority for the country and indeed all members of the AOSIS. Mr. Antoine emphasized the need for funding for adaptation and thanked the Denmark Government for its support for the work of the AOSIS.
