UNDP calls for environmental leadership

JAKARTA, April 29 (UPI) -- Major economies need to adapt to a low-carbon model to advance environmental stewardship, a U.N. official said from Indonesia.

UNDP Administrator Helen Clark said during an environmental and business meeting in Indonesia that a business-as-usual model was creating a "broken" ecosystem and a warmer climate.

"Conversely, I believe that there will be significant business and livelihood opportunities, and a better future for us all, if we collectively commit to a sustainable course," she said in a statement. "The way we live and the way we do business needs to be aligned with achieving inclusive and low-carbon development."

Major global economies are moving away from fossil fuel-based economies to a system that embraces more sound environmental practices including alternative energy resources and better fuel efficiency.

Clark said, however, that the poorest people in the world are also the most vulnerable to climate change because of the increased risk of floods, droughts and rising sea levels.

A sound and sustainable business model from advanced economies would have a trickle-down effect on the global population, said Clark.

"Developed countries have a heavy responsibility for cleaning up their act, and for supporting developing countries to advance human development in sustainable ways," she added. "We are all in this together."