Please download the Document here below:

Opening Speech by Patricia Espinosa at the UN Climate Change Conference.pdf

Ladies and gentlemen…

Twenty-five years ago, governments came together at the Earth Summit in Rio with this very spirit.

They began with the idea that the world needed to change the way it was treating its environment.

And from that single idea, our Convention was adopted and a movement began.

A movement that, two years ago, resulted in the Paris Agreement.

Today, in record time, 169 countries have ratified it, making it possible that we go from the era of hope… to the era of implementation.

And together with the Sustainable Development Agenda, we have a clear path forward to truly address climate change and sustainable development.

Yet, it is an incomplete journey.

This is the 23^rd COP conference, but never have we met with a greater sense of urgency; just as the Prime Minister has expressed, as our COP 22 President has expressed, and as the beautiful children and their beautiful song have reminded us.

Millions of people around the world have suffered – and continue to suffer – from extreme weather events.

We have compassion for them, their families, and their suffering.

But the fact of the matter is that this may only be the start – a preview of what is to come.

Please download the Document here below:

As the World Meteorological Organization reported just a few days ago, 2017 will likely be one of the hottest three years on record.

And long-term indicators of climate change, such as carbon dioxide concentrations, sea level rise, and ocean acidification, among other disturbing phenomena, will continue unless we act.

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