COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The climate-change summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a chance for world leaders to chart a new course for the environment, the U.N. secretary-general said.
The international community descends on Copenhagen beginning Dec. 7 to discuss a new climate-change treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.
Despite the outspoken support for the Copenhagen summit, it is uncertain if world leaders will be able to reach a comprehensive agreement on climate-change measures.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, speaking at a two-day conference in Copenhagen ahead of the summit, said a comprehensive effort, however, would help developing countries adapt while providing the technological resources and government structures necessary to address the challenges.
"These are the essential elements of a Copenhagen deal -- a deal that can safeguard our common future while ushering in powerful new opportunities today for economic growth, enhanced security, and sustainable, climate-resilient development," he said.
He called on world leaders to embrace the opportunity at the December summit, saying support now would address climate-change issues in the future.
"Opportunity is knocking," he said. "It is up to you to open the door."
