CAIRO: As World Environment Day is being marked, a high-ranking British official is warning that unless measures are immediately taken to combat climate change, the results will be catastrophic for the entire globe. The ensuing destruction will affect development plans and current infrastructure. The official has also stressed that, of all continents, Africa will be the most vulnerable and the least capable of responding to the challenge. The continent stands to benefit from the global initiative taken to face the disaster which will result from impending changes. George Edgar, UK envoy for climate security in Africa, spoke to a packed hall on Tuesday at the British Council, Cairo, about the importance of global cooperation in containing the disaster which is threatening to take in its wake every part of the world without exception. "Any initiative has to be global, stressed Edgar. "We have to reduce the effects of pollution which is causing the phenomenal changes. [The initiative] must be in place by 2012, a date we have set globally for flagging off a kind of collective reaction. In his capacity as an envoy to Africa, Edgar is visiting Egypt to discuss multiple environmental issues with the concerned parties. He is using Egypt's influential position in Africa to urge other countries to join related agreements. Getting more countries on board will make best use of the global assistance which is available to the Black Continent, as well as other impoverished areas in the world. Citing the Stern Review compiled in 700 pages by Nicholas Stern, former British government chief economist, Edgar said that there will be time to avoid the worst impact of climate change if we act now and act internationally. Strong, deliberate policy choices by governments are essential to motivate change. Delaying action even by a decade or two will take us into dangerous territory. During his visit to Egypt, Edgar will highlight the possibilities of providing a future framework for international cooperation. This will focus on creating a rapid global reduction of emissions and securing space for developing economies to grow. "This framework will recognize Africa's vulnerability and its small contribution to the problem, the envoy noted. When asked about whether it is necessary to make environmental authorities worldwide impose compulsory measures on nations that are reluctant to sign related treaties, the ambassador said that despite the fact that the environmental officials are using persuasion, it's still difficult to enforce any curbs. "But the aspect to confrontation is twofold, remarked Edgar. "First: mitigation that consists of measures taken to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants which primarily result from human malpractices. Second, the strategies laid down to face the situation once it becomes really serious. Adaptation here is the key word, he added. According to the UN's International Panel for Climate Changes, climate changes are strongly linked to greenhouse gas emissions. Latest reports say that there are low and high estimates for the rise in the average global temperature. Going by the modest estimate, the world temperature will rise by 1.8 Celsius or as much as 5 Celsius in the high scenario. The sea level will also rise by 20-60 cm. "But we should really focus on the economic damage which includes falling crop yields, extinction of species, water unavailability, forest fires, warned Edgar. "All aspects of development will also be endangered, as reports predict poverty and hunger, direct and indirect health effects, the spread of disease, threats to coastal settlements. Edgar pointed out that it is inevitable that climate changes are occurring and measures don't only include reaction to disaster. "Adaptation to these changes is another important step. We have to take into consideration the fact that the agriculture infrastructure as well as healthcare should reckon with these changes. We can't keep following traditional measures when the weather is dramatically changing. He added: "The British government is committed to rapid reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and has pledges to cut them down by 20 or 30 percent by 2020. "But on a global platform all countries have to join hands to start low carbon development and provide opportunities to improve land use and reduce deforestation, stressed Edgar again. He noted that the flow of funds and technology will soon be in place to face the issue.
