On these days World leaders are gathering in Doha for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are many expectations of this conference especially that an agreement on the extension of the Kyoto Protocol is hoped to be signed. The UN Climate talks so far have failed in their main purpose to reduce emissions of heat-trapping gases that are warming the planet, melting ice caps, glaciers and permafrost, shifting weather patterns and raising sea levels. The affects often result in increase of disasters.
The outcome of thi conference and the success of the Kyoto Protocol is important for social workers who often work in disaster situations. “Climate change is not only an ecological issue, but also a social issue”, says Dr Rory Truell, Secretary General of the International Federation of Social Workers. “Working toward environmental sustainability” is one of the themes of the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development. “With the Global Agenda IFSW with its partners have expressed their strong commitment to support initiatives aimed at protecting the natural environment. “, Dr Truell continues.
IFSW is supporting the call from developing countries for an increase of climate finance toward the $100 billion a year by 2020 agreed on at the 2009 Copenhagen talks. The Federation is supporting that a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol will be agreed upon in Doha.