Obama: Climate Change May Lead to 'Irreversible Catastrophe'
By VOA News
US President Barack Obama speaks during Summit on Climate Change at United Nations in New York, 22 Sep 2009
US President Barack Obama speaks during Summit on Climate Change at United Nations in New York, 22 Sep 2009
U.S. President Barack Obama says inaction on climate change could leave future generations with an "irreversible catastrophe."
Mr. Obama called on global leaders Tuesday to move "boldly, swiftly, and together" to combat the problem.
Mr. Obama addressed world leaders gathered in New York City for a climate change summit called by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Mr. Ban opened the meeting by saying it would be "morally inexcusable" not to act.
In his address, President Obama said the security and stability of each nation and all peoples are in jeopardy and that time is running out to reverse the effects of climate change. But Mr. Obama said the current trend is reversible.
More than 90 heads of state are attending the meeting. Officials hope to make progress toward a global climate treaty that governments plan to finalize during a December meeting in Denmark.
Determined to act
United Nations Secretary Ban Ki-moon(R)addresses United Nations Climate Change Summit, 22 Sep 2009
United Nations Secretary Ban Ki-moon(R)addresses United Nations Climate Change Summit, 22 Sep 2009
President Obama said his administration understands the "gravity of the climate threat" and is "determined to act" - even though he said the United States was slow to recognize and respond to the danger of global warming.
Mr. Obama said his administration, in its first eight months, has already taken a range of steps to cut energy waste and reduce greenhouse gas pollution.
He said the most important of those steps was an energy and climate bill the House of Representatives passed in June. The president said that bill will finally make clean energy profitable for American businesses and dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
President Obama said the U.S. is also making its largest-ever investment in renewable energy projects and has proposed the first national policy aimed at increasing fuel economy and reducing pollution for all new cars and trucks.
President Obama said the U.S. has put climate at the top of the diplomatic agenda with countries across regions, from China and India to Brazil and Mexico.
No illusions
Mr. Obama said "there should be no illusions" about how difficult it will be for world leaders to reach a climate change agreement during the Copenhagen meeting in December.
He said nations are concerned about reviving their economies amid a global recession. But Mr. Obama said difficulty is no excuse for inaction.
President Obama acknowledged that developed nations had caused much of the damage to the global climate, and said they also have the responsibility to lead the global fight against it.
He said the United States will continue investing in renewable energy, promoting greater efficiency, and slashing emissions.
The U.S. leader noted that rapidly-growing developing nations must do their part as well.
source
By VOA News
US President Barack Obama speaks during Summit on Climate Change at United Nations in New York, 22 Sep 2009
US President Barack Obama speaks during Summit on Climate Change at United Nations in New York, 22 Sep 2009
U.S. President Barack Obama says inaction on climate change could leave future generations with an "irreversible catastrophe."
Mr. Obama called on global leaders Tuesday to move "boldly, swiftly, and together" to combat the problem.
Mr. Obama addressed world leaders gathered in New York City for a climate change summit called by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Mr. Ban opened the meeting by saying it would be "morally inexcusable" not to act.
In his address, President Obama said the security and stability of each nation and all peoples are in jeopardy and that time is running out to reverse the effects of climate change. But Mr. Obama said the current trend is reversible.
More than 90 heads of state are attending the meeting. Officials hope to make progress toward a global climate treaty that governments plan to finalize during a December meeting in Denmark.
Determined to act
United Nations Secretary Ban Ki-moon(R)addresses United Nations Climate Change Summit, 22 Sep 2009
United Nations Secretary Ban Ki-moon(R)addresses United Nations Climate Change Summit, 22 Sep 2009
President Obama said his administration understands the "gravity of the climate threat" and is "determined to act" - even though he said the United States was slow to recognize and respond to the danger of global warming.
Mr. Obama said his administration, in its first eight months, has already taken a range of steps to cut energy waste and reduce greenhouse gas pollution.
He said the most important of those steps was an energy and climate bill the House of Representatives passed in June. The president said that bill will finally make clean energy profitable for American businesses and dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
President Obama said the U.S. is also making its largest-ever investment in renewable energy projects and has proposed the first national policy aimed at increasing fuel economy and reducing pollution for all new cars and trucks.
President Obama said the U.S. has put climate at the top of the diplomatic agenda with countries across regions, from China and India to Brazil and Mexico.
No illusions
Mr. Obama said "there should be no illusions" about how difficult it will be for world leaders to reach a climate change agreement during the Copenhagen meeting in December.
He said nations are concerned about reviving their economies amid a global recession. But Mr. Obama said difficulty is no excuse for inaction.
President Obama acknowledged that developed nations had caused much of the damage to the global climate, and said they also have the responsibility to lead the global fight against it.
He said the United States will continue investing in renewable energy, promoting greater efficiency, and slashing emissions.
The U.S. leader noted that rapidly-growing developing nations must do their part as well.
source