UN
chief optimistic of robust climate deal
Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon predicted Tuesday that a robust agreement to
combat climate change will be reached in Copenhagen and
implemented immediately.
08/12/2009
20:10 - "From all corners of the globe we see unprecedented
momentum for a deal," the UN chief told reporters at
UN headquarters. "I'm encouraged and I'm optimistic."
Ban
said for the Copenhagen conference to be a success, the
agreement must include ambitious reductions in carbon emissions
by developed countries as well as ambitious actions by poorer
developing countries to curb emissions. Rich nations must
also provide financial support and technological assistance
to help developing countries limit their emissions and adapt
to the effects of climate change, including floods and drought,
he said.
"This
agreement will have an immediate operational effect as soon
as it is agreed," Ban said.
The
secretary-general's statement indicated that the UN wants
the provisions in the political deal that will hopefully
be reached in Copenhagen to be implemented quickly, without
waiting for a legally binding treaty to be negotiated next
year.
The
UN chief said an agreement is likely between developed and
developing countries on 10 billion US dollars in "short-term,
fast-track" financing to help poorer countries until
2012. Financial support beyond that will be discussed at
Copenhagen and beyond, he said.
Ban
said he will open the high-level segment of the Copenhagen
conference on Dec. 15 and expects 105 world leaders to attend
the final sessions on Dec. 17-18 to push for an agreement.
He singled out President Barack Obama, Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
"Never
have so many different nations of all size and economic
status made so many firm pledges together," he said.
"We must seize this moment, and continue pushing for
still higher ambition."
"This
will be crucially important for the future of humanity,
and even for the planet Earth," Ban said.
Da
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
