NEW YORK: More than 120 heads of state and government, business, finance and civil society representatives announced commitments that will reduce emissions, enhance resistance to climate change and mobilise financing for climate action.

“I am asking you to lead,” the UN chief told them.

“We must cut emissions. Science says they must peak by 2020 and decline sharply thereafter.

By the end of this century we must be carbon neutral.”

Underscoring the importance of climate change as the defining issue of our age, Mr Ban noted that the international community’s response today will define the future.

“We are not here to talk, we are here to make history”, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the “unprecedented and important gathering” of world leaders that aims to raise ambition, mobilise resources, and generate action towards a universal climate deal.

He noted that UN headquarters, which was heavily impacted by Super Storm Sandy, will be carbon neutral by 2020.

“To ride this storm we need all hands on deck,” the top United Nations official summed. “Today we must set the world on a new course”.

Over the course of the day, participants will announce national action and ambition plans, and take part in thematic discussions on topics ranging from climate science to climate, health and jobs.

The UN also hopes to raise at least $10-15 billion during the summit for the flagship Green Climate Fund created to support developing countries on their path to low-emission and climate resilient development.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2014