Abridge of Kofi Annan`s Speech at the opening of Global Editor`s Forum

The decision taken –or ducked- at the climate change conference in Dec. Kobenhavn Conference will have the most profound impact on our world and on the future generation and that is the main reason of the post Kyoto agreement cannot be left to the politicians alone. It is the responsibility for all of us to overcome obstacles and ensure that the decisions taken are followed through. Achieving this will be extremely difficult. The actions are needed to prevent damage and destruction on a colossal scale and will transform not just our economies but affect every aspect of our lives.

2,500 scientist have warned that on present emission levels, the world was edging towards potentially catastrophic climate change. Time is running out and there is no excuse for inaction and no country will escape its impact , directly or indirectly. Rising temperatures, the increase in droughts, storms and sea-levels will damage economies and quality of life , bring new health risks and add new pressures to food and fresh water supplies. The increase stresses of climate change will see rising tensions and conflicts across the world.

Last year alone more than 20 million were displaced by climate relate disasters (Nargis Burma lone is over 40,000) and this number will grow. The climate change is not tomorrow it is happening now. Livelihoods are ruined and lives lost with the most vulnerable paying the highest price. The least developed countries have contributed less than 2% of the greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. While climate change will effect us all those in the greatest danger live in the poorest countries or small island nations, with the least resources to protect their people. Without support they will be left facing a catastrophic problem they simply cant manage alone,

Climate justice demands that the industrialised countries meet their historic responsibility for the accumulation of greenhouse gases in out atmosphere; while all the countries need o take steps to reduce emissions, the developed economies must take the lead by making the most dramatic cuts- something within their capability. They must lead in ensuring global emissions peak by 2020 and fall at least by 50% from 1990 level to 2050.

Developing countries, particularly the least developed, must be given the capability to catch up with the rest of the world through economic development. Climate justice demand an additional transfer of resources to help meet the cost of adaptation and mitigation measures in these nations and will require $100 billion a year for adaptation a figure where there is no consensus. These are large sums of money, but we have seen wealthy countries find trillions of dollars over the last 18 months to rescue their banks. We know that money can be found if there is a will.  The agreement at Copenhagen must established a fund, governed transparently, to support the mitigation and adaptation actions of developing countries…

We must also see the widespread transfer of clean energy technologies to the developing countries on preferential terms to enable them to grow their economies in a more sustainable way. We sink or swim together, the US in particular has huge responsibility with the generous position the world expects.  President Obama has said, “the science is beyond dispute and the facts are clear and that delay is no longer and option.” He expressed his determination to lead the new era of global cooperation on climate change. The choice is not between economically successful and environmentally sound. They are just two sides of a coin. Kobenhavn is not the end but the necessary beginning, We can change the world for good.

Please look the details at www.kofuannanfoundation.org