'Think big,' Ban tells climate panel

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- A panel led by the Finnish and South African presidents is called on to "think big" about environmental sustainability, the U.N. secretary-general said.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Finnish President Tarja Halonen and South African President Jacob Zuma to lead a panel on global sustainability that will take a holistic approach to tackling climate change issues.

"I have asked the panel to think big," Ban said at the U.N. headquarters. "The time for narrow agendas and narrow thinking is over."

Ban said it was imperative for the international community to find ways to address the impact of global climate change that are sustainable.

Ban said the accelerated rate of climate change "has injected fresh urgency" into the global climate initiative.

Floods in Pakistan and China have killed hundreds and forced thousands from their homes while drought conditions in Russia are threatening global grain supplies.

The panel is tasked with developing a practical effort to promote low-carbon energy resources while at the same time addressing poverty, sustenance and energy security.

"In short, we need a new blueprint for a more livable, prosperous and sustainable future for all," he said.