Address by the President of the Republic of
Cyprus
Mr. Nicos Anastasiades
at the Climate Summit 2014, New York
Allow me first to express my appreciation to the Secretary General of
the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon for organizing this important Summit.
The consequences of climate change are unfortunately only too well
known; unless the international community decides to take
concerted action in addressing climate change, there is no future for humanity
on earth.
Cyprus is in the Mediterranean, an area which is already experiencing
the first serious effects of climate change such as prolonged periods of
drought, increased temperatures, degradation of forests and of rare ecosystems.
Unfortunately, Cyprus is called upon to formulate a national response to climate
change in the midst of an economic crisis, and the difficulties that the
military occupation of a part of my country causes in implementing environmental
policies.
Cyprus has long been taking action towards reduction of greenhouse
gas emissions, and has been implementing appropriate policies and measures in
that respect. By the end of the year our national adaptation strategy shall be
in place. Furthermore Cyprus implements its international commitments and the
relevant European Union acquis and
actively participates in relevant regional and international initiatives.
Dear friends,
It is essential that all states meet their obligations in accordance
with the timetable agreed in Warsaw. The major and emerging economies must lead
the way and submit their intended nationally determined contributions in the
first quarter of 2015, together with other states that are ready to do so.
Cyprus and the other EU Member States are working towards that end.
Of significance is the European Commission proposed 2030
[twenty-thirty] climate and energy package, on which a final decision will be
taken at the October 2014 European Council. The proposed 2030 [twenty-thirty] EU
framework is a coherent package, based on a binding 40% domestic Greenhouse gas
emissions reduction. Cyprus participates actively and productively in order to
reach agreement on this ambitious package which will contribute significantly to
our overall efforts.
On the international level we need to step up our efforts to meet the
goals of the Convention. In the EU context, Cyprus reaffirms its objective to
reduce emissions by 80 to 95% by 2050 [twenty-fifty], provided that all
countries will contribute their fair share. We need to act now on enhancing
energy efficiency and replacing existing infrastructure with modern, low-carbon
technologies, in a smart and sustainable manner.
Ladies and gentlemen ,
We are running out of time. The effects of climate change will soon
be catastrophic and irreversible. In
the following months, it is crucial to agree on a system to which all nations
commit and contribute. By the end of 2014 we should have made progress on how to
accelerate reductions beyond the current commitments.
Cyprus intends to contribute to the adoption of a single, global,
legally-binding agreement preferably in the form of a new Protocol, applicable
to all, that ensures that the global temperature increase stays below 2 degrees
Centigrade. Furthermore, this agreement should encourage the highest possible
level of ambition by all countries in a way that is fair, efficient and
transparent. We, as the international community, need to support commitment and
action and provide solidarity to the vulnerable and most affected by climate
change.
Thank you.
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