Don’t trash climate talks, PM tells Africa

African countries have been asked to stop criticising the outcome of last year’s climate change talks in Copenhagen.

Even though the talks did not yield to most of the demands by African states, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said they should consider them as “the first major step” towards finding a lasting solution to the problem.

“Half a loaf is better than none at all,” the PM said.

He was speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday at the launch of the report “Africa Talks Climate Change”. The report was prepared by the BBC World Service Trust in collaboration with the British Council.

“Even though the outcome of the talks was very disappointing, we at least received finance pledges towards mitigation and adaptation programmes.

“This should be regarded as a first major step towards our quest to have this issue tackled once and for all,” the PM said.

The meeting ended with the adoption of the Copenhagen Accord.