YOU MUST BE PART OF SOLUTION, SECRETARY-GENERAL EMPHASIZES IN VIDEO MESSAGE

TO C40 LARGE CITIES CLIMATE SUMMIT IN SEOUL

 

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit in Seoul today, 18 May:

This is the year of climate change.  In December,Government negotiators will meet in Copenhagen to seal a deal.  Your contribution to their discussions is essential.

Cities lie at the heart of the problem.  They house more than half the world’s population and are responsible for as much as 80 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.  Hundreds of millions of the poorest city dwellers also stand to become victims of climate change as sea levels rise and extreme storms batter their often flimsy homes.

A deal in Copenhagen must address these issues.  Many countries need help to adapt to the inevitable consequences.   Copenhagen must also address the causes.  Global greenhouse gas emissions must decline significantly and soon.

Cities must be part of the solution.  Buildings can become more efficient.  Transport systems can be changed to favour mass transit.  Energy generation can rely more on renewable sources, such as wind, solar and geothermal.  These solutions exist.  We must ensure they are shared and made widely available.  This is why I have been calling for investment in a Global Green New Deal.  Such a deal will not only help to spread clean energy technologies.  It can create jobs and help us reverse this economic downturn.

As we look forward to Copenhagen, I have a simple message for the world’s large cities.  You must be part of the long-term solution. 

Your deliberations can help us seal a deal in Copenhagen that is ambitious, comprehensive and fair.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful meeting. 

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For information media • not an official record