Caritas representative at the G8 Joanne Green said: “The G8 has reaffirmed its aid promises to the world’s poorest, but there’s nothing to say how that will be achieved. Given the recent record of some countries, especially Italy, we are sceptical about whether this will be delivered in full.

“The G8 has agreed an accountability framework which we hope will mean these talks in the future are not just a photo opportunity.

“The acknowledgement of the desire to keep average global temperature below 2 degrees and cut emissions by 80% by 2050 is significant but not enough. Today’s announcement does not include any commitment on how to fund developing countries’ response to climate change. The Copenhagen talks are hanging by a thread. Will it be the poorest who have the pay the price for the damaging climate change rich countries are responsible for?

“The G8 doesn’t seem to understand that changes in climate will make poverty permanent and undo decades of development progress. They are gambling with the lives of millions of the world’s poorest people.”

Joanne Green is Head of Policy for Caritas member in England and Wales CAFOD

For interviews contact Joanne Green at the G8 +44 7823 555 642