Delega§ão à Assembleia Parlamentar da OSCEDeclaration on the United Nations Conference on Climate Change
João Soares, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly
November, 2009
The United Nations Conference on Climate Change that will take place in Copenhagen from 7to 18 December will give world leaders an important opportunity to show their commitment andcourage as regards the resolution of a problem that affects our future.I call upon all Members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to take action. We all have
to use our influence on our respective Parliament and show our Governments that we are
committed to this issue. Together, the 56 participating States of the OSCE have
considerable influence that can positively impact the Copenhagen Conference. We have
among us some of the main fossil fuel producers and consumers.
Any decision that does not define concrete measures aimed at reducing polluting emissions intothe atmosphere and does not involve all States - developed and emerging economies - has tobe considered a failure or even a step backward.We must work to regulate and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, as they are the maincause of the greenhouse effect. At the same time, it is essential to create more global incentivesto reinforce the use of cleaner energy such as biofuels, solar energy and wind and wave power.Nuclear power, for peaceful purposes, also needs to be discussed as an alternative.The impact of climate change on the planet's life is more and more visible through increasingdesertification, food and water shortages, and the growth of uncontrolled migratory movements.The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has been systematically drawing attention to many of theseproblems. In recent years, we have adopted a number of resolutions on climate change andenvironmental security, water management and food shortages. These resolutions call forglobal action, taking into account the various aspects of the problem: political, economic andhuman dimensions.The current level of pollution that is found in the air, on land, and in seas and rivers is notsustainable and if we do not stop its increase, it will lead the planet to the abyss. As responsiblecitizens and political leaders, it is our duty to correct our mistakes and to intervene in order toguarantee the planet a sustainable future.Strong political leadership is needed in the coming weeks to ensure far-reaching solutions. I callon all OSCE PA Members to step up and support an ambitious agreement in Copenhagen!
