Climate Sustainability PLATFORM
Message prepared by the Climate Sustainability Platform 3-6 December 2009
and presented at the Klimaforum, Copenhagen
8 December 2009
CALL FOR CLIMATE SUSTAINABILITY
Climate and Sustainability need to be addressed together, not decoupled. Therefore, the world needs a binding international agreement on 'Climate Sustainability'
An agreement on Climate Sustainability will be decisive in coming together as one world to reverse decades of irresponsible consumption, production, and trade patterns and to build an equitable, fair, and just world. Climate sustainability must be the shared vision of the UNFCCC because it is the aspiration of the people. Climate Sustainability addresses pressing issues of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation through relevant strategies for mitigation, adaptation, finance, and technology sharing. Governments must demonstrate political will and vision by signing a binding 'Climate Sustainability Agreement' enforced through strong compliance mechanisms. Only this will empower people to live in harmony with all species in a healthy planet that ensures well-being and happiness to all.
A MESSAGE TO OUR LEADERS
The world needs a binding international agreement on climate sustainability.
This agreement is our last chance to reverse decades of irresponsible consumption, production and trade and to build a fair and just world. It must articulate a shared vision that addresses pressing issues of poverty, inequality and environmental degradation through relevant strategies for mitigation, adaptation, finance and technology-sharing.
Governments must demonstrate political will and vision by signing a binding climate agreement including appropriate compliance mechanisms that empower citizen action. Civil society expects governments to live up to their commitments and invest in credible, accountable monitoring systems at the local, national, regional, international levels.
National action plans for mitigation to reduce carbon in the atmosphere must motivate fundamental changes in values, individual lifestyles and responsible consumption and production.
Governments must deliver on their responsibility for ensuring that those most vulnerable receive the highest priority in support for adaptation, including food and water security, health, and safety. A range of measures is needed, from international sustainability governance to people-centred local solutions that focus on women and young people to achieve climate justice.
The need to develop and share technology that accommodates local and indigenous knowledge must remain central to the implementation mechanisms, financed through equitable and accessible means.
We, individuals and enterprises, are energized. We expect governments to measure up to our sustainability aspirations and demand moral and practical leadership to take the climate agenda forward.
Governments must learn to see the world anew, beyond self-interest.
We call for a shared vision that unites all the peoples of the world in climate action. We are ready to act together with you, our leaders, for the future of our children.