What did the presidents say on the first day of COP21?

Barack ObamaClimate ChangeCOP21Ollanta Humalaparischairmen

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By ConexiónCOP hace 10 year

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ConexiónCOP presents a selection of the most important quotes from the speeches of the Heads of State present at the inauguration of the COP21. Among the most common points in the positions of the 150 presidents were the achievement of an ambitious agreement and the search for the responsibility of nations.

President of the United States, Barack Obama

"We have the power to change. We are the first generation to notice the impact of climate change and who will be the last to be able to do something about it."
"I am here personally, as the leader of the world's largest economy and the second largest emitter on the planet, to say that we not only recognize our role in creating the problem of global warming, but we also take our responsibility to do something about it."
"Over the last 7 years we have said no to infrastructure that extracts fossil fuels and we have said yes to a set of standards that can free up carbon consumption. We have made a proposal to reduce our emissions from 26% to 28% within 10 years from now. Our commitment is to achieve those gains in a lasting framework and with a long-term strategy."
"Let's make an agreement that is ambitious. Let's take into account the differences each country faces."
"Let us reaffirm our commitment to provide resources to countries that need help to prepare to face the impacts of climate change. Ensuring in Paris that resources will flow adequately is a priority."
"We know that many countries have contributed little to climate change, but will be the first to feel its effects. That is why we confirm our commitment to have the necessary funds, especially our commitment to island states."
"It is critical that the economy is based on green energy. We must seek in the coming weeks to ensure that the next generation can live in a much better place. We must create a world that is not characterized by conflict, but by collaboration, a world that is more prosperous and free than the one we inherited. A world more prosperous and free than the one we inherited. Let's get to work!"

President of China, Xi Jinping

"The Paris agreement will have to help us meet the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention. That agreement will have rules that will have to be respected. In turn, we must contribute to its effective implementation and encourage countries to achieve green development."
"The Paris conference is not the final goal, it is the starting point. May Paris inspire us so that every nation can contribute to the extent of its possibilities."
"We have to create a future with rule of law, equity and justice. We want to provide support and for that we created a $20 billion fund."
"China will continue to promote international cooperation in disaster reduction, smart agriculture and smart cities. We are committed to helping other countries in their development."
"Addressing climate change is a shared mission for humanity. Let us join hands and contribute to the creation of an effective mechanism and forge win-win international relationships."

German President Angela Merkel

"We have gathered in Paris at a very turbulent time. By our presence we show that we are stronger than the terrorists. We have the possibility to defend a very powerful message that will be fundamental for the care of our planet, so that life will continue to exist in the future."
"We are trying to reach an agreement so that warming does not exceed 2 degrees Celsius. Small island states feel it's not enough, we need a fair and binding agreement."

President of the Philippines, Benigno S. Aquino

"I am a president of a nation increasingly affected. We have worked to end the vicious cycle of disaster construction and reconstruction."
"Despite our funding limitations and despite our small footprint we are undertaking mitigation efforts."
"We are willing to do our part if other countries support us in financing, capabilities and technology transfer. We want to make the case for more funding for developing countries."

President of Peru, Ollanta Humala

"We are aware of the enormous transcendence and the trust that humanity placed in us to achieve the processes that redirect human advancement by sustainable methods."
"The climate change agreement must be equitable for rich and developing countries, and with clear and predictable financing instruments, with common objectives of transparency, obligation and flexibility."

President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet

"Taking action has become inescapable. Climate change is not only an environmental problem, it is also a social problem, and perhaps the biggest political issue in the coming years."
"It is important to integrate the gender approach."
"Developed countries are the ones called upon to establish a clear commitment. I am confident that the agreement will be a guide for all countries."

President of Honduras, Juan Hernández

"In Honduras climate change is not only an environmental problem, it is a harsh social reality and is a matter of life and death."
"Those who have been most involved in the climate problem have the most to contribute to solving it."
"There is no plan B to save the earth. This is the time. Let's do it for our children and our children's children."
"Central America will be among the most affected regions in the world by floods and droughts. The accounts are not clear. We are not equal. The commitments are not well defined."

President of South Africa, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma

"Paris must result in a legally binding agreement that is based on equity and differentiation, providing financing, technology and capacity support."
"Developing countries are already suffering the impacts of climate change. That's why the Paris agreement cannot focus only on mitigation."
"The 100 billion for the Green Climate Fund must be increased, because it is not enough."
"Climate finance is not development assistance. It is a binding obligation to help all developing countries. If developed nations don't do their part, it will create the impression that the crisis was caused by a few developed nations and ignore the impact on numerous countries."

President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff

"We need a fair, universal, ambitious and legally binding agreement."
"The agreement cannot be the sum of good intentions: commitments must be defined."
"Differentiation is key to making this deal effective."
"Addressing climate change requires active engagement of local governments, civil society, and indigenous peoples."

President of Bolivia, Evo Morales

"I am deeply concerned about the effects of climate change that threaten to end life and Mother Earth."
"Global warming is a consequence of capitalism."
"If we follow the path traced by capitalism we are doomed to disappear."

President of Spain, Mariano Rajoy

"Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge we face today. It poses environmental and economic challenges. It needs a global and ambitious response. This is why Paris must propose to the world a new low-emission growth agenda."
"By the end of next week we must reach a comprehensive, ambitious and legally binding agreement, each according to their capabilities and circumstances."
"Spain is committed to climate finance and especially to the Green Climate Fund. In the last four years it has contributed €1.4 billion. In addition, Spain will increase its annual contributions to double by 2020."

President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela

"We are ready to achieve a historic pact that will enable us to meet the greatest challenge in the history of mankind."
"I have come with the firm conviction that we have to reach a comprehensive agreement to combat climate change."
"In the coming years we will create an integrated urban transportation system, promoting modern, efficient and environmentally friendly public transportation."

President of the European Commission of the European Union, Jean Claude Juncker

"We can't tell future generations that we didn't know, because we already know today the dangers that lie in wait for us."
"It's about having the political will and the necessary action."
"The energy transition designs a new world low in carbon and rich in opportunity."
"The transition to a new economy is happening around the world, but we must accelerate it."
"The resources of this world are exhaustible but human creativity is inexhaustible."
"A binding, solid and sustainable agreement that translates long-term ambition is needed."

Source: ConexiónCOP