UK-based global development agency Christian Aid has welcomed the British government's promise to provide new money for poorer countries to adapt to the effects of climate change, and called on other developed countries to follow suit.
At the United Nations climate change summit in Doha, Qatar, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, outlined the urgent need to avert climate catastrophe.
He announced £1.8 billion of new money to help poorer countries develop along a low carbon pathway and tackle the effects of climate change.
Christian Aid's senior climate change adviser, Mohamed Adow, commented: "We welcome this new pledge by the UK to provide mid-term climate finance. It is an encouraging move and forces the hand of other developed countries. The UK must push them to make their own commitments."
Mr Adow: "If other developed countries continue to offer vague assurances rather than solid commitments, their claims about showing leadership in tackling climate change are like a mirage in the Qatari desert."
"The UK has promised that half of the £1.8 billion will go towards helping countries adapt to climate change, which is also welcome. Previously, most climate finance has gone on mitigation efforts to reduce emissions. Given the terrifying impact of climate change already making itself felt, this is a step in the right direction," he added.
"We now need other developed countries collectively to close the finance gap," said the Christian Aid spokesperson.