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Statement by Andreas Carlgren, Minister of the Environment, Sweden
World Climate Conference-3 is a very timely event, happening only three months before United Nations
Climate Change Conference 2009 (COP15) in Copenhagen. Climate change is an issue of great significance
to Sweden, as we lead the European Union during the half year when international negotiations for a new
comprehensive climate agreement reach their conclusion. Adaptation is one of the most important areas in
this context, as whatever we do now to limit global warming, we will still have to cope with the unavoidable
effects of climate change.
The International Commission on Climate Change and Development, a Swedish initiative, has recently
released its final report. An important conclusion of the report is that adaptation to climate change must
be driven at a local level, particularly within those societies most vulnerable and exposed to the impacts
of climate change. Adaptation must be integrated into development planning and substantial resources
devoted immediately to strengthening resilience and supporting adaptation actions.
An essential tool in these efforts is the availability of accurate, relevant and accessible information and
data on climate change. Improved climate observations, monitoring and data provision from climate models
detailed enough for regional and local community action, must form the backbone of such information. It
is my absolute belief that World Climate Conference-3 will provide an essential stepping-stone to achieving
this improvement in data quality, applicability and availability.
WMO has the competence and resources to continue channelling essential support and contributions as
the lead agency in the UN system.
Andreas Carlgren
Minister of the Environment, Sweden