|
Description
Current scientific evidence increasingly shows that the benefits of strong early action far outweigh the costs of inaction. If we do not drastically and promptly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions now, we are risking a catastrophic disruption of the complex of interlinked environmental, economic, health, moral, political and social systems that sustain civilization as we know it.
Bringing the needed collective action to avoid the looming catastrophe, however, remains one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced. Its mere scale and the urgency of action will test the global governance system and stress the relationship between developing and developed countries during the next decade. To avoid the worst impact of climate change, we need to find equitable solutions and encourage the most drastic emissions reduction possible. The world has fallen too far behind in the fight against global warming. We cannot afford any further delay. Developed countries and the rapid growth economies of large developing countries have more responsibility for climate action, but there is no excuse for smaller countries not to act.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Costa Rica has decided to respond and align its national priorities with global climate action. The Government has prepared a far-reaching climate change strategy and is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral (C-neutral) country. We aspire to build a society whose pursuit of well-being does not reduce... |
More articles from UN Chronicle
Interaction of climate change and land degradation: the experience in ..., June 01, 2007
How to avoid the unmanageable and manage the unavoidable climate chang..., June 01, 2007
Business and climate change: rising public awareness creates significa..., June 01, 2007
Industrial and rural energy in China: innovative private-sector initia..., June 01, 2007
Giving life with the sun: the Darfur solar cookers project., June 01, 2007
Looking for additional articles?
Click here
to search our database of over 3 million articles.
|
