Events Calendar

, where countries are expected to wrap up negotiations on an agreement to slash greenhouse gas emissions.

The Secretary-General called on all world leaders to take part in the event and “make their commitment and give clear instructions to [their] negotiators on climate change.” Citing the top scientists, he stressed that there are fewer than 10 years left to stop rising emissions in order to avoid “catastrophic” problems. “Now is the time for action,” he emphasized.

The UN can raise awareness of the issue of global warming, but ultimately, Mr. Ban said, it is the world’s parliaments, presidents, prime ministers, governors and mayors who must take bold measures to tackle climate change.