THE
SECRETARY-GENERAL-
message on the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol
Dear
friends,
Today we celebrate the
entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol.
This is a great stride
forward in our struggle to confront one of the biggest challenges we face in
the twenty-first century: climate change.
Scientists
continue to tell us that the first signs of climate change are already
visible. If this challenge is not addressed, sustainable development will
be out of reach.
Climate change is a
global problem. It requires a concerted global response. The Kyoto
Protocol provides a truly global framework. And from today, it is legally
binding on the rapidly increasing number of countries that are party to it.
From
now on, industrialized countries that are party to the Protocol have a clear
obligation to reduce emissions. To do so, they can use the market to trade
a new commodity: carbon.
The Protocol
will also generate resources for developing countries, to help them deal
with climate change.
Today marks
an important first step in the right direction. We must now use the
Protocol to move towards a less carbon-intensive world economy – one that
gives the right incentives for investment in climate-friendly technologies.
But by
itself, the Protocol will not save humanity from the dangers of climate
change.
So
let us celebrate today, but let us not be complacent.
I call on
the world community to be bold, to adhere to the Kyoto Protocol, and to act
quickly in taking the next steps. There is no time to lose!
Thank you
very much.
