United Nations Radio

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is warning that the poor countries will bear the brunt of the impact of climate change.

UNEP World Environment Day 2009 logo

In a message for World Environment Day on 5 June, the Secretary-General says the economic and financial turmoil sweeping the globe is a true wake-up call and the crisis is an alarm about the need to make a transition to greener and cleaner development.

The Secretary-General says the international community has an opportunity to change course ahead of crucial climate change talks in Copenhagen in December, and to "Seal the Deal" for a new agreement on climate.

Ban Ki-moon says the world also needs a "Green New Deal" focused on investing in renewable sources of energy, eco-friendly infrastructure and energy efficiency.

This will not only create new jobs and spur recovery but will also help tackle global warming.

Diane Bailey, United Nations.

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