date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 12:24:55 +0100
from: "Michel Smitall" <MSmitall@unfccc.int>
subject: UNFCCC media advisory -- Joke Waller-Hunter urges
to: "Climate Change Info Mailing List" <climate-l@lists.iisd.ca>



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UNFCCC  media advisory
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Joke Waller-Hunter urges a global carbon-constrained energy matrix


GENEVA, 24 March 2003 - Dealing with climate change hinges on an integrated
management of natural resources. Speaking at the World Meteorological Day
celebration in Geneva, the Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, Ms Joke
Waller-Hunter reminded the international community that climate change is a
problem that cannot be solved speedily. The effect of emissions of
greenhouse gases today will change the climate many decades into the
future, both because of the time lag in the removal of carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere and because of the long time it takes to warm the oceans.
Conversely, it is also true that current emission reductions will take a
long time to limit the change in the climate.

Waller-Hunter emphasized the fact that humanity has to develop less carbon
intensive means of satisfying its requirements for personal comfort,
transportation and mechanical work. This will imply a change in the
existing infrastructure in industrialized countries and the choice of a
sustainable path for developing countries. The energy sector is especially
critical. Policies here must clearly take into account the requirement for
a less carbon intensive energy matrix. "Action is required as a matter of
urgency", she said.

In view of the commitment by the Government of the Russian Federation to
seek the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by Parliament, the Convention's
Executive Secretary expects that the treaty will enter into force this
year. "When this condition is met, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
established by the Protocol will become an important practical exercise in
international cooperation aiming at ensuring a more sustainable path of
development", Waller-Hunter said.



1 - Full statement by Joke Waller-Hunter, UNFCCC Executive Secretary
2 - Opening address to the "Second WMO Conference on Women in Meteorology
and Hydrology"
3 - Webcast of latest CDM Executive Board meeting
4 - Press release of the World Meteorological Organisation
5 - WMO booklet: "Our Future Climate"



----------------------

1 - Full statement

by Joke Waller-Hunter, UNFCCC Executive Secretary, on occasion of the World
Meteorological Day 2003, "Our Future Climate" on 24 March 2003, in Geneva :
http://unfccc.int/press/stat2003/jwh240303.pdf


2 - Opening address

by Joke Waller-Hunter to the "Second WMO Conference on Women in Meteorology
and Hydrology" on 24 March 2003 in Geneva :
http://unfccc.int/press/stat2003/statem-wmo-240303.pdf


3 - Webcast of latest CDM Executive Board meeting

The "Eighth meeting of the Executive Board to the CDM" took place from
19-20 March 2003 in Bonn, Germany. UNFCCC provided a full webcast of this
meeting which also features the conclusion and summary of decisions.
http://www.meta-fusion.com/kunden/unfccc/cdm030319/archiv.html


4 - Press release

WMO calls for timely global action on climate. Recent occurrences of
floods, tropical cyclones, droughts and other extreme weather- and
climate-related events could well be glimpses of what a change in climate
could bring upon us. The future cost of inaction to protect climate is
expected to exceed by far the cost of timely action.
Every year, the World Meteorological Day (WMD) is celebrated to commemorate
the entry-into-force, on 23 March 1950, of the Convention of the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO). The theme of this year is "Our future
climate". National Meteorological and Hydrological Services throughout the
world will celebrate WMD 03, and a ceremony will take place at WMO
Headquarters in Geneva.  http://www.wmo.ch/web/Press/Press.html#pr


5 - WMO booklet: "Our Future Climate"

http://www.wmo.ch/wmd/pdf/wmd2003.pdf




===========================================

UNFCCC press office
press@unfccc.int
T +49-228 / 815-1005
F +49-228 / 815-1999

climate headlines
http://unfccc.int/press/index.shtml

===========================================





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