28 Nov 2007 - Jakarta, Indonesia
– The devastating impact of global warming
is already evident in Indonesia and will likely
worsen due to further human-induced climate
change, warns WWF.
The review from the global conservation organization,
Climate Change in Indonesia – Implications
for Humans and Nature, highlights that annual
rainfall in the world’s fourth most populous
nation is already down by 2 to 3 per cent,
and the seasons are changing.
The combination of high population density
and high levels of biodiversity, together
with a staggering 80,000 kilometres of coastline
and 17,500 islands, makes Indonesia one of
the most vulnerable countries to the impacts
of climate change.
“As rainfall decreases during critical times
of the year this translates into higher drought
risk, consequently a decrease in crop yields,
economic instability and drastically more
undernourished people,” says Fitrian Ardiansyah,
Director of WWF-Indonesia’s Climate and Energy
Programme.
“This will undo Indonesia’s progress against
poverty and food insecurity.”
WWF’s review shows that increased rainfall
during already wet times of the year may lead
to high flood risk, such as the Jakarta flood
of February this year that killed more than
65 people and displaced nearly half a million
people, with economic losses of US$450 million.
Climate change impacts are noticeable throughout
the Asia-Pacific region. More frequent and
severe heat waves, floods, extreme weather
events and prolonged droughts will continue
to lead to increased injury, illness and death.
Continued warming temperatures will also increase
the number of malaria and dengue fever cases
and lead to an increase in other infectious
diseases as a result of poor nutrition due
to food production disruption.
“The Indonesian government must take its
role seriously and lead the way in the fight
against global climate change,” says Mubariq
Ahmed, Executive Director and CEO of WWF-Indonesia.
“Indonesia has to take up the challenge of
climate change, putting climate adaption into
the development agenda, promoting sustainable
land use, as well as demanding support from
industrialized nations.”
Indonesia is already a significant emitter
of greenhouse gases due to deforestation and
land-use change, estimated at 2 million hectares
per year and accounts for 85 per cent of the
country’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.
It is also a serious coal producer and user
in the region.
“The government of Indonesia knows how important
action against climate change is for their
own country and people, and it has put a lot
of work into steering the Bali negotiations,”
says Hans Verolme, Director of WWF’s Global
Climate Change Programme.
“The UN’s Climate Summit on the island paradise
of Bali is no walk on the beach. Ministers
from 190 countries must get down to some serious
work and agree to drastic cuts in CO2 emissions
post-2012.”
Brian Thomson, Press Officer
WWF International
Martin Hiller, Communications Manager
WWF Global Climate Change Programme
Verena Puspawardani, Communications Manager
WWF-Indonesia
