100 days and counting

Comments from Connie Hedegaard, host of COP15, Minister for Climate and Energy, Denmark:


"Climate politics is not only an environmental matter: It is about growth and economy. It is about third world development. It is about the relationship between the developed and the developing countries. It is about security policy - and not least about energy security and the energy source that will fuel our common future. This is why a satisfying result in Copenhagen can only be reached if Head of State and Governments from all over the world commit themselves to the process and to reaching a satisfying result. And they have a unique chance to do so when the Secretary General of the United Nations gathers the leaders in New York on September 22."


"That same week, the leaders of the World’s 20 largest economies can show leadership on climate finance when they meet in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A commitment on upfront finance would send a powerful signal from developed to developing countries that the industrialised World is committed to provide new and additional finance as part of a global climate agreement.


"There is a strong need for political engagement at all levels - now. It is still doable. We can still reach an agreement in Copenhagen. But only if world leaders live up to their responsibility. In Bali in December 2007 all members of the United Nations agreed that Copenhagen 2009 was the deadline for reaching a new, truly global international climate agreement. They now have only 100 days left deliver on their promise."

Further information:

Head of Press; Ida Ebbensgaard, ide@kemin.dk, +45 20 81 58 92.