AS WE approach the Copenhagen conference on climate change the question is: do ordinary people have any idea of this crucial forum?

AS WE approach the Copenhagen conference on climate change the question is: do ordinary people have any idea of this crucial forum?

Or will the conference be like a World Trade Organisation meeting, where vital decisions are taken about people's livelihood without their having the slightest idea about the end results that will ultimately affect them?

Poor communities in developing countries are most affected by climate change but remain ignorant about the phenomenon.

There is an urgent need for capacity building and training on best practice, information dissemination, education and coalition building to strengthen the participation of community-based organisations.

South Africa - the biggest carbon emitter in Africa and operating one of the 10 most carbon-intensive economies in the world - has already made it clear that it will not subscribe or make any commitment to cut on emissions.

Climate change will in the long run affect our farmers, who also contribute a large share of the country's gross domestic product.

It is undeniable that we do have our own socioeconomic factors and our polluting activities contribute significantly to our economy.

But whose responsibility is it to ensure that South Africa plays its role, like many other countries, in curbing climate change effects such as global warming that will affect the citizenry ultimately?

Duncan Khothatso Moeketse,

Roodepoort West