ID :
247976
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 09:04
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/247976
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Al-Attiyah Underscores Challenges Facing New Clean Energy
Berlin, July 16 (QNA) - he Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority and the President of the Climate Change Conference (COP18) Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah on Monday held a dinner reception for ministers concerned with the environment and climate change, who are participating in the third Petersburg Climate Change Dialogue, which launched earlier in Berlin in the presence of German Environment Minister Peter Altmaier.
Addressing the conference, Al-Attiyah welcomed the audience and thanked them for attending the dinner, hosted by Qatar, highlighting that the event marks the fact that it is the first time a Gulf nation hosts the COP. "Whilst it will be a challenging few months, Qatar is delighted to be able to host COP18/CMP8," he said.
He underlined that Qatar, as a coastal dry land nation is affected by climate change and, thus, tackling that challenge is important for it. "We are literally on the front lines for even the smallest impacts of a changing climate. We have to work together as a global community to innovate how cities grow, how global economies shape progress, and how we all respond to the challenges ahead."
Al-Attiyah added that Qatar, as an energy-producing nation, lies at the heart of the climate change issue. "Qatar's dependable low-carbon energy supply makes it possible for Qatar to develop renewable sources such as wind and solar, effectively building a bridge to a very different energy future. It is critical that all, of us, energy producers and energy consumers, must take seriously the commitment we have to future generations."
He also pointed to the "successful outcome" mediated in COP17/CMP7 in Durban, South Africa last December, which he said, concluded with a key milestone, adding that hard work lies ahead as "nations gather to negotiate the way forward."
"We believe that Qatar is a good place for such a discussion to happen. We have demonstrated time and again our sincere commitment to hosting transparent, inclusive and credible negotiations. These values are fundamental to us and we believe they are critical to the debate on climate policy," the COP18 president said.
Al-Attiyah concluded his address as he underlined he has no doubts that all the countries will work with Qatar to ensure that the legacy of COP18/CMP8 positively addresses the "tragic effects" of climate change. (QNA)