UN climate summit opens in New York

On Tuesday, world’s leaders are set to discuss new ways of dealing with rising greenhouse gas emissions in order to slowdown the effects of climate change, as the UN’s climate summit kicks off in New York following a weekend of intense call for action.

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In New York, the world’s leaders, NGOs, businesses and members of the civil society have gathered to pave the way to a global binding climate agreement for 2015, when talks in Paris will take place.

More than 600,000 people worldwide have marched in 156 countries on Sunday to demand action on tackling dangerous climate change, fuelled by unsustainable fossil fuels-based economies. UN’s secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon and UN climate ambassador and Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio also joined the march.

In London, the event was supported among others by the bishop of London, Richard Chartres, actress Emma Thompson and designer Vivienne Westwood.

Businesses are waiting to see the outcome of the UN talks, with many already taking advantage of new low-carbon opportunities.

Katja Hall, deputy director-general of UK business coalition CBI, said, “Business must be – and wants to be – part of the solution to tackling our climate change challenges. We need to recognise that green and growth can go hand in hand together, to secure the right deal, and provide the basis for business investment that will drive growth and jobs in a low-carbon economy.

“Global leaders need to demonstrate clear ambition and cooperation to establish the right frameworks that will secure a green economy for future generations.”

In the opening speech to the NYC Climate Week – a parallel event organised by the Climate Group – US Secretary of State John Kerry said, “It doesn’t cost more to deal with climate change; it costs more to ignore it. But despite the scientific consensus we are collectively still allowing this problem to grow, not diminish. It is absolutely imperative that we decide to move and act now. The United States is prepared to take the lead in order to bring other nations to the table.”

Photo:  WorldIslandInfo.com via Flickr

Further reading:

Report urges businesses to act on climate change

People’s Climate March: 600,000 demand climate action

Ban Ki-Moon to take part to climate march during UN climate summit

David Cameron among 125 confirmed speakers at UN climate summit

Ed Davey promises bold action from the UK at UN climate summit