Opening the global climate change summit in Durban today, South African President Jacob Zuma called on members of the international community to come together for the good of those that will suffer as a result of climate change.

Speaking to delegates Mr Zuma said global warming was already causing conflict in Africa due to droughts in Sudan and Somalia as a result of climate change. Speaking to newspapers he asked for selfless action: “Change and solutions are always possible. In these talks states, parties, will need to look beyond their national interests to find a solution for the common good and human benefit.”

COP17 will see participants from more than 190 nations coming together over the next two weeks in order to devise global climate change strategies.