John Kerry warns of ‘moral failure’ at climate conference

John Kerry warns of ‘moral failure’ at climate conference: "Mr Kerry warned that the “window of opportunity” to address climate change was “closing quickly”, so the issue was urgent. “We need to get an ambitious climate agreement . . . giant, measurable clear steps forward that will set us on a new path”.
The former US senator said he found it “kinda troubling” that he been at all of the major UN climate conferences since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, and here he was in Lima 22 years later and there was still no agreement on the issues.
“I know discussions can be tense and decisions can be difficult. I know the debates over who should do what, but the fact is we simply don’t have time. It’s everyone’s responsibility. It’s the net amount of carbon that matters, not each country’s share.”
Calling on all countries to play their part, Mr Kerry said he had come to the Peruvian capital, however briefly, “in order to make sure that we get this right . . . This is not insurmountable. Mankind created the problem and mankind can solve the problem.”
He cited the recent agreement between the US and China on curbing their emissions – together accounting for 40 per cent of the global total – as a “historic milestone” that other countries were already following, including EU member states.
Without naming any country, Mr Kerry said: “If you’re a big developed nation and not helping to lead, you’re part of the problem.” That was why US president Barack Obama and himself “recognise our responsibility to lead the global response”.
Addressing the development needs of poorer countries, the US secretary of state said: “Coal and oil may be cheap ways to power your economy in the short term, but look further down the road and there are far-reaching costs. It’s not cheaper.”"



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