Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Australia’s announcement on a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol

The Secretary-General welcomes the readiness of the Australian Government to join a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol and congratulates Prime Minister Gillard for her leadership. Addressing climate change is fundamental for achieving sustainable development.  Urgent action is needed. The Secretary-General calls on all governments to take decisive steps against climate change at the upcoming Climate Change Conference, in Doha, Qatar.