UNFCCC’s Yvo de Boer Sets Ambitious Tone at Copenhagen

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer, who oversaw the 2007 climate negotiations in Bali, set a serious and ambitious tone at a pre-conference press briefing for the Copenhagen climate negotiations. Calling on all nations to adpot a “strong and long-term response to climate change,” de Boer outlined three levels in which governments must cooperate over the next two weeks. He called on nations to pursue

(1) fast and effective implementation right away, without delay: on adaptation, on technology, [and] on capacity building in developing countries;

(2) ambitious commitments to cut or limit emissions as well as start-up financing for developing countries and a long-term funding commitment; [and]

(3) a long-term shared vision on a low-emission future.

Achieving this third point of a shared vision may be the biggest obstacle of all, yet it is essential because greenhouse gas emissions do not recognize national boundaries. Our atmosphere, as a shared resource, must be handled with a shared vision. In order to get here, de Boer acknowledged,

I know two things for sure. There will be many more steps on the road to a safe climate future but also few turning points. And Copenhagen must be such a turning point.

Video: UNFCCC’s Yvo de Boer Sets Ambitious Tone at Copenhagen

The United Nations has launched a YouTube channel for covering the events at COP-15 (the official name of Copenhagen standing for Conference of the Parties), which can be accessed by clicking here. I highly encourage everyone to take a look. And if you’re an iPhone user, than you can download this app produced by the UNFCCC, which allows you to follow all of the action and virtually participate in the event.

Any progress achieved at Copenhagen can have a direct impact on renewable energy industries worldwide. If the vision of a “low-emission future” is implemented, solar energy industries are poised to grow in a carbon-conscious world.  Knowledge is power – so check out these links and dig in!