UN chief pushes for agreement at Copenhagen summit

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday urged the international community to reach an ambitious agreement at the Copenhagen climate summit next month.

"We should not waste such a unique chance to open a way to low fossil fuel wealth for all," the UN chief said in an article in the Swedish daily, Svenska Dagbladet.

"Climate change affects all the other challenges we are facing: the world's poverty, people's health, economic growth, securing food supply, clean water, energy and even the decade's development, peace and wealth," said the secretary general.

It was time to translate the vision into political reality, said Ban. "Together, we must see all countries make an effort in a common and long-term goal to limit the global temperature increase to a secure level, protect vulnerable nations and create worldwide green growth."

Countries worldwide did not have to map out all the details at the Copenhagen summit, but the meeting must lead to a clear decision that could lay a solid foundation for a global climate agreement, he said.

"Various countries should agree with the main questions, every country should shoulder its own responsibility," said Ban.

He also urged the European Union to help developing countries to realize low carbon growth.

"We need now to get a clearer picture on exactly what concrete support the developed countries are ready to promise. The financial issue is an important factor (in determining) whether the climate agreement will be successful or not," said Ban.

"We are all on one planet. As people, as nations, we all sit in the same boat. Let us work together in a common goal to grasp the chance Copenhagen gives," said the UN chief.

Source:Xinhua