New York, Sep 25 2010 4:10PM
Germany today emphasized innovation in efforts to combat climate change, telling the General Assembly to that it will contribute its technological expertise in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency to help both developed and developing countries build sustainable development.
"Anyone who's serious about combating climate change has to build on innovation, new technologies and exchange," Guido Westerwelle, Germany's Vice Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs <"http://gadebate.un.org/Portals/1/statements/634210065442812500DE_en.pdf">told the General Assembly's high-level debate at UN Headquarters in New York.
"Germany will contribute its technological expertise, for example in the fields of renewable energies and energy efficiency.
"In this way we're turning the challenge of climate change into opportunity for fair development and enhanced cooperation. Climate policy is a cornerstone of any sustainable development policy," Mr. Westerwelle said.
He said Germany's "forward-looking energy strategy" will enable the country to have 80 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050.
Germany has also pledged to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by the 40 per cent by 2020, compared to the 1990 baseline. "Even now, we have reduced our carbon dioxide emissions by 30 per cent. We are pioneers in the field of climate protection," Mr. Westerwelle added.
He also stressed the importance of education, saying it was key to development, helped protect people from oppression and discrimination, and eliminated prejudices.
"It is because education will determine whether societies succeed or fail in tomorrow's world that Germany is one of the major international partners for learning. By building on education, we building bridges to the future for the young people of today," Mr. Westerwelle said.
In a meeting with Mr. Westerwelle on the sidelines of the Assembly's high-level debate, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon thanked Germany for its consistent support of the UN and recognized the country's contributions in efforts to fight climate change. Mr. Ban also expressed appreciation of Germany's help in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Haiti, Sudan and Somalia.
Sep 25 2010 4:10PM
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