The impact of climate change will not be equitable. But the unfairness in these natural impacts cannot be repeated in the measures adopted by the international community to address climate change. Our challenge is to ensure that the international response to the threat of climate change is both effective and equitable. Under the Framework Convention on Climate Change, developed countries have agreed to take the lead in addressing climate change - but not to respond alone. That would not be fair, and nor would it solve the environmental problem that will affect all nations.
Leadership means nothing if there is no one following.
Annex I emissions decrease dramatically from 1990 levels, increases in the emissions of developing countries will ensure that total emissions continue to rise. A global response is needed, both to tackle the problem and to sustain the solution. It is a sobering fact that, after many years of discussion, there is not yet any consensus on how to provide for a truly global response. This is a critical failure that must now be overcome. A robust and durable global response requires that all countries commit themselves to take action, and that all be seen to be doing so.