The challenges posed by climate change

MP Antti Kaikkonen (ALDE Finland): Speech in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 29th September 2009, Strasbourg

The challenges posed by climate change

Mr. President, members of the assembly,

based on the numerous scientific studies on climate change, there should be no question about the threat it poses to nature and human wellbeing. Moreover, the phenomenon progresses even faster than previously thought and - as the report states - hits hardest those societies and people who are already in the most vulnerable position. The challenges are huge and I think it is not exaggeration to state that adaptation to climate change is the biggest and most wide-ranging challenge ever confronted by humankind. It requires unprecedented global action.

Mr. President, fellow-parliamentarians,

there is an urgent need for the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen to succeed. Furthermore, the conference must be able to agree on significant further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Reaching an agreement will be fiendishly difficult. However, our responsibility towards the future generations should be greater than any obstacle in negotiation and implementation of drastic emission reductions.

It is very important that we also send out a plea for all the governments of the member countries of the Council of Europe. The Copenhagen conference must agree on a new climate treaty. Although the treaty will be a global one, Europe bears the greatest responsibility on its birth.

In the future, climate change and the environmental aspects have to be incorporated in all decision making, including that of the Council of Europe. It is all about ensuring that future generations will be able to live on the planet. We have no right to spoil the environment. The transition to a new low carbon era is before us and we have no other sustainable option. Now it is the time for decisions.

Mr. President,

I think that the report under scrutiny describes the situation and the required actions very well. Now we need decisions and strong commitment to them.

I therefore fully support the report and recommendation.