UNFCCC media advisory

UN climate chief urges a global carbon-constrained energy matrix

GENEVA, 24 March 2003 - Dealing with climate change hinges on an integrated management of natural resources. Speaking at the World Meteorological Day celebration in Geneva, the Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, Ms Joke Waller-Hunter reminded the international community that climate change is a problem that cannot be solved speedily. The effect of emissions of greenhouse gases today will change the climate many decades into the future, both because of the time lag in the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and because of the long time it takes to warm the oceans. Conversely, it is also true that current emission reductions will take a long time to limit the change in the climate.

Waller-Hunter emphasized the fact that humanity has to develop less carbon intensive means of satisfying its requirements for personal comfort, transportation and mechanical work. This will imply a change in the existing infrastructure in industrialized countries and the choice of a sustainable path for developing countries. The energy sector is especially critical. Policies here must clearly take into account the requirement for a less carbon intensive energy matrix. "Action is required as a matter of urgency", she said.

In view of the commitment by the Government of the Russian Federation to seek the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by Parliament, the Convention's Executive Secretary expects that the treaty will enter into force this year. "When this condition is met, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) established by the Protocol will become an important practical exercise in international cooperation aiming at ensuring a more sustainable path of development", Waller-Hunter said.

1 - Full statement by Joke Waller-Hunter, UNFCCC Executive Secretary
2 - Opening address to the "Second WMO Conference on Women in Meteorology and Hydrology"
3 - Press release of WMO
4 - WMO booklet: "Our Future Climate"

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1 - Full statement

by Joke Waller-Hunter, UNFCCC Executive Secretary, on occasion of the World Meteorological Day 2003, "Our Future Climate" on 24 March 2003, in Geneva : http://unfccc.int/press/stat2003/jwh240303.pdf

2 - Opening address

by Joke Waller-Hunter to the "Second WMO Conference on Women in Meteorology and Hydrology" on 24 March 2003 in Geneva : http://unfccc.int/press/stat2003/statem-wmo-240303.pdf

3 - Press release

WMO calls for timely global action on climate. Recent occurrences of floods, tropical cyclones, droughts and other extreme weather- and climate-related events could well be glimpses of what a change in climate could bring upon us. The future cost of inaction to protect climate is expected to exceed by far the cost of timely action. Every year, the World Meteorological Day (WMD) is celebrated to commemorate the entry-into-force, on 23 March 1950, of the Convention of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The theme of this year is "Our future climate". National Meteorological and Hydrological Services throughout the world will celebrate WMD 03, and a ceremony will take place at WMO Headquarters in Geneva. http://www.wmo.ch/web/Press/Press.html#pr

4 - WMO booklet: "Our Future Climate"

http://www.wmo.ch/wmd/pdf/wmd2003.pdf

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UNFCCC press office press@unfccc.int T +49-228 / 815-1005 F +49-228 / 815-1999 climate headlines http://unfccc.int/press

 
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