European Development Days Newsletter No. 12The Fourth edition of the European Development Days has been closed with a pleanary session on Climate Change and Development. A year ago, the European Union launched the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA), a partnership which helps developing countries to cope with climate change. Edward Natapei, Prime Minister of Vanuata, a small Pacific island state, explained the climate change threats his country faces, including sea water inundation, flooding, fishery decline and drought. "Urgent action is needed to avoid a genocidal impact on small island states," he urged. "We cannot meet the challenges of climate change alone. The GCCA is necessary and will go a long way to assisting Vanuata meet the challenges of climate change. ... we need funding that is timely and accessible." Ahmed Shaheed, Minister of Foreign Affairsof the Maldives warned: "The effects of climate change, particularly rising seas, are occurring faster than predicted." At current rates of sea level rise, the Maldives soon risks losing its international airport. "The Maldives is pleased to be part of the GCCA pilot project. We must find ways to adapt to rising seas, coral bleaching, flooding and disease," Shaheed said. "The EU has taken more initiatives than any other region in dealing with climate change," said Hasan Mahmud, State Minister of the Environment and Forest of Bangladesh. "The GCCA mechanism for fund distribution is clumsy. We need easier procedures." Responding to comments, EU Commissioner for Development Karel de Gucht said: "The GCCA is a pilot project exploring ways of cooperation between the EU and vulnerable countries. The EU should look at its procedures and the timing between commitments and disbursements." Mary Robinson, President of the Ethical Globalization Initiative, Vice-President of the Club of Madrid, called on Europe to take the lead on climate change negotiations: "The time has come for decision taking. It is time for leadership". She added: "The image of climate change is the polar bear. I like polar bears, too, but that is the wrong image. The image of climate change is a poor farmer, and she is a woman and she is desperate." The 24 October 2009 will be also marked in history as International Day of Climate Action (350 Day) when people in 181 countries are coming together for the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history. At over 5200 events around the world, people are gathering to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis. | 
