Speaking at the launching ceremony of the appeal here on Tuesday Girma said African has hardly contributed to climate changes but is suffering the most from its impact.

He said many African countries have already developed national adaptation of plans of action regarding climate change which are still pending funding to implement prioritizing projects.

Girma said among others factors the climate change is jeopardizing all the efforts that have been invested by African nations to get out of the shackles of poverty in the past decades.

The appeal would galvanize local and international public support to address the issue of climate injustice.

Hence, he said all concerned bodies should give support for the realization of the appeal.

"The policy paper prepared by the signatories will be a very useful input for an African common position to ensure a better climate deal for Africa," he said.

Speaking on his part Director General of Environmental Protection Authority, Dr. Tewoldeberhan Gebregziabher said the nation has attached due attention to environmental protection by effectively implementing environmental protection policy.

He said the country has enshrined environmental rights in its constitution for the same purpose.

The Director General urged all to strive for the effective implementation of the African Climate Appeal.

Negusu Aklilu, Director of Forum for Environment and Interim Coordinator of the African Climate Appeal during the launch of the Appeal said Africa should speak up persistently until a fair climate deal is struck. According to the director climate change is not just a matter of economic wellbeing; it is rather a matter of life and death.

He said a post-Kyoto mechanism that does not take into account issues of climate justice into account is not acceptable. “We reiterate that a post-Kyoto climate regime that does not guarantee a fair deal for Africa is not acceptable”, he added.

The African Climate Appeal was initiated by Nobel Laureate Wangari Mathai with the support of Heinrich Boell Foundation. The appeal is a politico-moral call that is initiated to campaign for climate justice for Africa. Some core signatories from different countries signed the appeal.

---END---