Ending the importation of fresh food from Africa in the name of fighting climate change could harm entire communities that rely on this trade, according to Ghana's High Commissioner to Britain. The concept of food miles, or the distance food travels from producer to consumer, has become a point of contention as environmentalists push for lifestyle changes to reduce carbon emissions. Annan Cato, the High Commissioner, expressed concern about the potential consequences of cutting off this trade for small farmers in Africa, arguing that the environmental impact of airfreighted food in Britain is minimal. He emphasized the importance of considering the global justice implications of such decisions during a discussion on climate change's effects on Africa. Environmentalists suggest increasing local food production and consumption to eliminate the need for airfreighted imports of fruits and vegetables worldwide. However, development specialists point out that many of these imports come from impoverished areas in Africa, where entire communities rely on this income. Cato emphasizes that there are alternative ways for British consumers to reduce their carbon footprint without negatively impacting African farmers. Scientists warn that global temperatures will increase significantly this century due to carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning, leading to devastating consequences such as floods, famines, and extreme weather events. Despite Africa having low per capita carbon emissions, the continent is expected to suffer the most from these climate changes. Cato emphasized the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a fair and rational manner, as making cuts that disproportionately affect the world's poorest is not only unjust but also undermines the international consensus needed for a global climate change deal. UN environment ministers will meet in Bali next month to discuss urgent talks on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. Europe is pushing for a new agreement by the end of 2009, despite the challenges of negotiating and ratifying such a deal. The United States and China, the world's biggest polluters, are still hesitant to take significant action, despite growing pressure. Cato stressed the need for the post-Kyoto agreement to include proposals for adapting to climate change in a way that can be effectively implemented. "This is a matter concerning both global fairness and the very existence of certain countries. While the harmful actions have been committed by powerful nations, the severe consequences are being experienced by those that are most vulnerable in the world," he stated.