The conference, which brings together 15 countries including five speakers, is also expected to rally African countries to demand for an equitable post in the 2012 Climate Change Agreement.

The two-day conference that kicked off Tuesday in Nairobi was officially opened by President Mwai Kibaki under the theme: ‘Towards a Common Position on Climate Justice and Equity.’

Kibaki implored the lawmakers to draft a common position that would act as the bargaining power in challenging the West against producing green house gases. “We need a greater commitment in fighting the green house gases, reducing carbon emissions through our policies and daily actions.”

He reiterated that parliamentarians’ actions should ‘not be a matter of choice but an obligation.’

“As a continent, we should be fully involved in the climate debate and negotiations aimed at agreements to give us a fair and just deal that caters for our interests and needs.”
His government, he said has put in place measures aimed at ensuring sustainable natural resource utilization in order to reduce poverty and abate continued environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources.

Crucial issues deliberated on by the lawmakers, university dons and environmental experts include the role of lawmakers on climate change, legislative approaches, disputes and actions, economic impact of climate change and its implication on development.

Position papers

The participating countries have tabled their position papers on climate change.

Kenyan speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende noted that the path to a greener world is not easy, and urged his counterparts to take aggressive initiatives to provide for the reduction of greenhouse gases and domestication of international and regional convention and protocols on climate change.

“I urge you in your capacity as political leaders to accept more responsibility in combating global problems associated with climate change. Success requires cooperation, networking and participation from all stakeholders,” he said.

The speaker of the Nigerian parliament Dimeji Bankole, noted that a ‘One Africa, One voice and One position is what African MPs need in order to get a clear and fair deal in Copenhagen. “We should remember that Africa bears the heaviest brunt of the climate change. We need to change this, once and for all.”

A report tabled by the conference shows that developing countries accounted for only 20 percent of the cumulative greenhouse gas emissions yet they suffered severe effects of climate change. In this regard, President Kibaki said those responsible for the greatest greenhouse gas emissions should take the issue of equity more seriously.