SCIAF's G8 Disappointment

Pledges on international aid and climate change are either not being followed through with action or are not going far enough, according to Scotland’s leading international aid organisation.

Mary Cullen, Head of Communications at SCIAF said:

“There is now a real danger that the G8 leaders’ solemn promise made to the world’s poor at Gleneagles in 2005 will be remembered as empty words. This can only fuel the cynicism with which so many people in developing countries already regard rich countries’ expressions of concern.

“We are deeply disappointed with the outcomes of the G8 summit in Japan. Now seven and a half years after the creation of the Millennium Development Goals, we are half way towards the target year of 2015 and it is clear that many of the developing countries will fail to achieve the goals. In some cases, at present rates of progress, some may have to wait more than a hundred years before the goals are reached.

“Recommitting to the aid pledges made at Gleneagles in 2005 is a necessary first step, given the G8’s track record of breaking promises, but action is needed if they are to really bring about change. The 1.2 billion people living on less than a US$1 a day don’t need recycled commitments – they need real resources and they need them now. But despite the many commitments that have been made, total global development aid fell by 8.4% in 2007 in comparison with 2006, after a fall of 5.1% between 2005 and 2006.

Climate Change

“The declarations on climate change made by the G8 at this year’s summit have not gone far enough to help the world’s poor. Plans to cut emissions by 50% by 2050, whilst a welcome improvement from last year’s summit, fall short of the scientific consensus which states that a cut of at least 80% by 2050 is needed if we are to avert catastrophic climate change.

“The consequences of climate change, erratic patterns of drought and rainfall, and extreme weather events will be felt first and hardest by the poor and vulnerable in developing countries – those who are least responsible for the emissions which are causing climate change. Money to help developing countries adapt to the challenges of climate change should also not be at the expense of the desperately needed development aid.

“The adoption of the Millennium Development Goals by the UN General Assembly in 2000 marked a watershed in international development. If achieved, they would represent an enormous improvement in the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world."

Media enquiries to:
SCIAF: Val Morgan Tel: 0141 354 5555
Mobile: 07914 408 589
Email: vmorgan@sciaf.org.uk

Photo on home page: credit Sephi Bergerson