High Level Segment of the Conference of Parties of the UN Conference on Climate Change, Poznan, Statement by Paula Lehtomäki, Minister of the Environment

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Statement by Ms Paula Lehtomäki, Minister of the Environment, Finland
High Level Segment of the Conference of Parties of the
UN Conference on Climate Change (COP14/CMP4),
Poznan, 11 December 2008

Mr President, Excellencies, Honourable Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me start by thanking the Government of Poland for their hospitality in hosting this meeting where we can make history together. I would also like to thank You, Mr. President, for guiding us towards a successful outcome.

The Poznan meeting takes place in the midst of an economic turbulence. But this is no reason for weakening our climate action - on the contrary. Economic recovery can be turned to an opportunity for transforming our economies into low-carbon ones. This can create new jobs and new opportunities for clean technologies. This is a win-win approach for economy, energy security and the environment.

One thing is clear. We must act together to combat climate change. All countries must do their best, based on their capabilities and responsibilities.

Developed countries have to play the key role. But our efforts alone will not be enough. It is vital that also developing countries, especially those with rapidly growing economies, participate in the joint effort. We are ready to support them in controlling emissions while contributing to sustainable economic development.

Mr President,

We need a real revolution in the development and transfer of climate friendly technologies. A massive up-scaling of capacity building and institutional strengthening is required, if we want to see private sector investments in clean technology multiply in developing countries. We must establish an investment environment where clean technology is the most profitable choice.

We must involve the whole UN system and other relevant organizations, as well as engage the private sector to share its expertise with us. We also need a robust institutional architecture, to deliver measurable, reportable and verifiable support .

The Copenhagen agreement must also include an efficient and equitable financial architecture, combining both private and public resources. It must include sufficient support to the poorest and most vulnerable countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

We need a global carbon market to set a price for carbon. I am convinced that such a price will not only reduce emissions but also boost the development and transfer of clean technologies. It is my pleasure to announce that Finland is participating in the Asian Development Bank’s Future Carbon Fund. We believe that such initiatives can open new paths for combining development cooperation and the carbon market.

Mr. President,

Preventing deforestation and forest degradation must be an integral part of the Copenhagen agreement. This needs to be done in a way that fully respects the need of conservation and sustainable forest management. We need reliable data and monitoring systems. Finland has long experience in this, and we are ready to share our know-how to help developing countries in their efforts to halt deforestation.

Finally, I would like to emphasize that women have an important role to play in both mitigation and adaptation, especially in developing countries. We must enhance women’s role as agents for change.

Dear colleagues,

This time next year in we must be ready to close the historic climate deal. No doubt there is a lot of work ahead, and no doubt that some of the work will be difficult. But I am convinced that when there is a will, there is always a way. We must make progress here in Poznan to enable a successful outcome in Copenhagen.

Thank you for your attention.