Rich nations urged to give funds, technology vs climate change

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) – Developed nations, which are some of the world’s greatest polluters, should provide the technological and financial means to help poor countries fight climate change, Malaysia’s deputy leader said Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak, opening a two-day regional conference on climate change, said developing countries lacked the means to gain new technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Despite global efforts, he noted that greenhouse gas concentrations have been projected to increase by 42 percent in 2100 from the 2005 levels.

“Technology transfer and capacity building are essential in our fight against climate change. Greater international momentum on technology transfer is needed,” he told some 300 delegates from Southeast Asian governments, companies and environmental groups.

“While technologies are held by private companies, governments can help to promote international collaboration to overcome barriers faced,” he said.

“Countries will commit themselves to the climate change efforts at the international level only if such efforts are congruent with those of national interests,” he said. “This means that different types of targets ... will have to be in place so that all countries can participate effectively.” He didn’t elaborate.