'The race is on, it's time to lead', UN chief asserts in climate change meeting
United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressed more than 1000 participants, including 100 Government ministers, as well as stakeholders from Government, private and public companies on 4th May in Abu Dhabi.
Mr Ki-moon charted new ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and building up new commitments ahead of UN Climate Summit, scheduled to take place in New York for 23 September.
The Secretary General reiterated that the impact of climate change is already widespread, costly and with dire consequences - concrete and fast action is needed to tackle the phenomenon before it is too late.
“Climate change is the defining issue of our time. If we do not take urgent action, all our plans for increased global prosperity and security will be undone” said the UN chief.
“Humanity is both witness and victim of the adverse effects of climate change, but also the prime suspect in generating this global threat,” he said, adding that anthropogenic climate change is unequivocal and only decisive human intervention can and must make a difference.
The benefits of addressing climate change include would result in reduced pollution, improved public health, fewer natural disasters, less poverty, cleaner and more efficient and affordable energy, better managed forests, livable cities and healthier food, said the Secretary-General.
“This meeting is about that future..Our motto must be adopt and adapt. Adopt what works and adapt it for your nation, your business, your community,” the Secretary-General said, warning that “time is against us. Nature will not wait. The planet is sending us a message. We must listen.”
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