Climate Sense

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STATEMENT by RICARDO LAGOS, FORMER PRESIDENT OF CHILE,

UN SPECIAL ENVOY FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change and global warming are undeniable facts and are affecting every single one of us. Far-

reaching decisions and decisive concrete actions are urgently needed from high level policy-makers across

the globe. The wellbeing of future generations depends on us making a crucial choice: either taking steps

to nurture economic growth and find sustainable solutions to our ever-growing population, or allowing

unrestricted unsustainable growth. By choosing the latter, quite simply our civilization will end.

Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions, where all nations act and agree

in a mutually cooperative way. The basic principles for such an agreement are clear, and depend on

international equity, historical responsibilities, national capacity building and an overall willingness by

all of us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. All of us have common but differentiated responsibilities.

Furthermore, we will share scientific and technological knowledge and adopt relevant adaptation

measurements for the world’s most vulnerable communities. The challenge of facing climate change is a

universal responsibility that stretches from ethical changes in our own personal behaviour, to international

agreements and governmental commitments to change. We must make a difference now, whilst the light of

human civilization still burns brightly.

Ricardo Lagos

Former President of Chile

UN Special Envoy for Climate Change