ID :
80840
Sun, 09/20/2009 - 23:11
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/80840
The shortlink copeid
S. Korean president calls on all nations to fight climate change
By Byun Duk-kun
SEOUL, Sept. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak will urge world
leaders to take prompt action to fight climate change during his trip to the
United Nations this week, an issue he believes cannot be resolved by only a
handful of countries, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said Sunday.
"Climate change is one of the most serious challenges of our time. Yet, beneath
this challenge lies a great opportunity -- an opportunity to dramatically
transform our lives for the better," Lee said in a special speech to the United
Nations, according to excerpts released in advance by Cheong Wa Dae. The speech
was pre-recorded here and will be posted on the U.N. Web site and the
video-sharing Web site YouTube on Tuesday.
Lee was to head for the United States later Sunday to participate in the U.N.
summit on climate change.
"As an Asian axiom says; 'ten spoonfuls of rice add up to a full bowl."
Collaboration is always crucial and even the smallest contribution should count,"
the South Korean leader said.
"What really matters is not the size of the spoon, but the willingness to pitch
in," he added.
The U.N. climate summit precedes a meeting in December in Copenhagen where the
world body is seeking to generate the force needed to reach a new agreement that
is hoped to include new and bold targets for greenhouse gas cuts. The new
agreement will replace the existing framework on climate change, the Kyoto
Protocol, that expires in 2012.
Lee said his country was trying to do its part as it will soon announce its
greenhouse gas mitigation goal, becoming the first non-advanced nation to do so.
"Considering that Korea's greenhouse gas emissions almost doubled between 1990
and 2005, the task that lies before us is no small one. But we will carry on," he
said.
The president said the answer to the new challenge, as well as new opportunities,
may be found in new and green technologies.
"At every turning point in history, technological breakthroughs have brought
forth great changes. This time, transformation technologies such as renewable
energy, green vehicles and smart grids will play a pivotal role to that end," Lee
said.
The South Korean leader also stressed the urgency of the issue, saying the world
cannot afford to wait any longer.
"In combating climate change, some may say we still have time and actions can be
saved for later. I am afraid that is not the case. We must act now," Lee said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)
SEOUL, Sept. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak will urge world
leaders to take prompt action to fight climate change during his trip to the
United Nations this week, an issue he believes cannot be resolved by only a
handful of countries, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said Sunday.
"Climate change is one of the most serious challenges of our time. Yet, beneath
this challenge lies a great opportunity -- an opportunity to dramatically
transform our lives for the better," Lee said in a special speech to the United
Nations, according to excerpts released in advance by Cheong Wa Dae. The speech
was pre-recorded here and will be posted on the U.N. Web site and the
video-sharing Web site YouTube on Tuesday.
Lee was to head for the United States later Sunday to participate in the U.N.
summit on climate change.
"As an Asian axiom says; 'ten spoonfuls of rice add up to a full bowl."
Collaboration is always crucial and even the smallest contribution should count,"
the South Korean leader said.
"What really matters is not the size of the spoon, but the willingness to pitch
in," he added.
The U.N. climate summit precedes a meeting in December in Copenhagen where the
world body is seeking to generate the force needed to reach a new agreement that
is hoped to include new and bold targets for greenhouse gas cuts. The new
agreement will replace the existing framework on climate change, the Kyoto
Protocol, that expires in 2012.
Lee said his country was trying to do its part as it will soon announce its
greenhouse gas mitigation goal, becoming the first non-advanced nation to do so.
"Considering that Korea's greenhouse gas emissions almost doubled between 1990
and 2005, the task that lies before us is no small one. But we will carry on," he
said.
The president said the answer to the new challenge, as well as new opportunities,
may be found in new and green technologies.
"At every turning point in history, technological breakthroughs have brought
forth great changes. This time, transformation technologies such as renewable
energy, green vehicles and smart grids will play a pivotal role to that end," Lee
said.
The South Korean leader also stressed the urgency of the issue, saying the world
cannot afford to wait any longer.
"In combating climate change, some may say we still have time and actions can be
saved for later. I am afraid that is not the case. We must act now," Lee said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)
