Britain's queen says global warming likely to hit hardest at most vulnerable nations

By The Associated Press

LONDON: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Monday called on the Commonwealth to help the most vulnerable nations deal with the impact of climate change.

The 53-nation Commonwealth of Britain and its former colonies includes some of the world's wealthiest countries as well as some of the poorest.

"The impact of pollution falls unequally: it is often those who pollute the least — notably in the world's least-developed nations — who are closest to the razor's edge: most affected by the impact of climate change and least equipped to cope with it," the monarch said in a Commonwealth Day message.

She adds that environmental choices open for same nations are not available to all.

"In some parts of the world, for example, fossil fuels can be used more sparingly and buildings can be made of more efficient, sustainable materials; but it is far harder to expect someone to adapt if he or she relies on the trees of a local forest for fuel, shelter and livelihood.

"If we recognize the interests and needs of the people who are most affected, we can work with them to bring about lasting change," she said.

The queen and her husband, Prince Philip, were joining in the annual Commonwealth Observance at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

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(Jakarta, Rabu 19 Maret 2008)

Re-publish by Jacob Paradox from link (www.routers.com),(www.iht.com), (www.routers.com), (www.nytimes.com)