Cross-Sector Partnerships Key to Driving Climate Action, Secretary-General Says in Message to High-Level Climate Assembly

(Delayed for technical reasons.)

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Janos Pasztor, Assistant Secretary-General for Climate Change, to the opening of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition High Level Assembly, in Paris on 8 December:

I am pleased to send greetings to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition High-level Assembly.  All of us involved in this historic climate conference share responsibility for building a healthy world for this generation and those to come.

The need for urgent climate action is clear.  A strong agreement here in Paris is essential for realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.  However, Governments alone cannot meet the climate challenge.  We need action from all sectors of society.  Partnerships with the private sector, cities and civil society are essential.  The Climate and Clean Air Coalition is an impressive example of a partnership that can deliver results.

We must act urgently to limit carbon dioxide emissions to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees.  In addition, we need immediate action to control short-lived climate pollutants, not only to mitigate warming, but to reduce air pollution and improve public health.  Hydro-fluorocarbons, or HFCs, are the fastest growing of all greenhouse gases.  Curbing their use is particularly important given their warming potential.  I urge your continued collaboration on these pressing issues.

I commend your leadership and commitment, and I wish you a productive meeting.