Thank you very much.

It is wonderful to be here in Chicago.

I have visited this great city several times.

I had the chance to meet Mayor Emanuel when I came in 2012 for the NATO Summit. He was a very gracious host then – and today I am grateful to him for taking me on a tour of this impressive Rookery building.

I commend the Mayor’s leadership on climate change and energy efficiency. His Retrofit Chicago programme is an example of the kind of ambitious local action that can advance our global climate efforts.

Cities account for about half of global emissions – and three quarters of global energy consumption. Buildings alone account for forty percent of global energy use.

More efficient city buildings can make a major difference in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions around the world.

This Rookery building shows how we can preserve the beautiful architecture of the past while protecting our environment for the future.

From Chicago, I will travel to Lima for talks on climate change.

The success of Retrofit Chicago is part of a growing global momentum that is helping to push negotiators to achieve success – so the world can adopt a meaningful, universal climate agreement this time next year in Paris.

Thank you.