Secretary-General's statement on the European Council response to Climate Change

I remain deeply concerned about the impact of the financial crisis on the developing world, particularly on the poorest of the poor. For this reason, also, it is essential to maintain our momentum on climate change. One crisis must not become an obstacle to action on another. In this context, I strongly believe that the European Union should continue to provide leadership on climate change, including through its ambitious energy and climate policy package. I see the recent decisions taken at its summit in Brussels in this light. I hope the EU will soon conclude its package, which has the potential to foster green growth and create millions of new jobs.

Developing countries look to the industrialized countries for leadership. As negotiations continue toward a new agreement on climate change by the end of 2009, the industrialized countries must indicate their willingness to do more to finance clean technology and to help developing countries adapt to the inevitable effects of climate change. The climate meeting in Poznan, Poland, offers a chance to send precisely the right signal, and I very much hope that world leaders will seize the opportunity.