Environment Minister Gabriel: cooperation with newly industrialising and developing countries is crucial for climate protection
Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel has approved the first project of the international climate protection initiative. As largest energy consumer in the country, the Water Authority of Jordan is receiving support funding of 1.25 m euro to make its pumping stations more energy-efficient. "As a pioneer in climate protection, Germany also has a special responsibility at the international level. This is why we have to assist newly industrialising and developing countries in their climate protection efforts. These countries suffer the most from the effects of climate change. However, they also produce the sharpest increase in emissions," said Minister Gabriel.
The project aims reduce the energy consumption of pumping stations by 25 to 50 percent in future. The Water Authority of Jordan will be assisted by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) as advisor.
"Without proper cooperation between North and South we have no chance of getting developing countries on board for a new climate protection agreement," said Gabriel with reference to the climate negotiations which are striving for a new agreement to be adopted in Copenhagen in late 2009. "We have to make two things very clear: Firstly, that the industrialised countries are taking their responsibility with regard to climate change seriously. Secondly, that climate protection is not only feasible, but also economically sensible. I consider these the most important aims of the international climate protection initiative.
The climate protection initiative is funded by the revenues from auctioning emissions allowances. There are thus 120 m euro available for climate protection projects in developing countries this year. Projects include measures to establish a climate-friendly industry, protect natural carbon sinks (in particular the large forests of the Earth) and adapt to the consequences of climate change.