China plays championing role in climate adaptation: Ban Ki-moon

[Photo by Liu Ning]

As one of the two policy responses in addressing climate change, climate adaptation is an urgent task that requires joint efforts from all countries, while China, a leading power of climate change governance, can provide good examples for other nations to follow, said Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations.

“China has always been a champion in addressing climate change, in both mitigation and adaptation. We hope that many countries, particularly developing countries, will learn from the good examples and practices that China has already implemented,” said Ban.

Ban’s remarks came on the heel of the launching ceremony of a Global Commission on Adaptation Report in Beijing Tuesday, which calls for all nations to take urgent action to innovate and advance climate adaptation solutions in light of new research findings.

“Adaptation is one of the two policy responses in addressing climate change, but in reality, we haven’t done enough until now. Adaptation, well-done, can save a lot of human lives and prevent unnecessary damages with effective and efficient early warning systems. This message should be disseminated around the world,” said Ban.

According to the report, investing $1.8 trillion globally from 2020 to 2030 in five areas could yield $7.1 trillion in net benefits. Ban noted that by investing wisely in adaptation, people would be able to prevent potential losses and damages, receiving remarkable payback in many areas including social-economic fields.

The former UN Secretary-General praised China’s achievements in climate adaptation, adding that China’s stance of a shared future for humankind is a brilliant idea.

“In 2013, President Xi promulgated a national strategy on climate change adaptation. The Chinese government also contributed large financial support for sustainable development goals. What you are doing through the Belt and Road Initiative for many countries is exactly what President Xi proposed, to build a community with a shared future for mankind,” said Ban.

In addition to the launching ceremony held in Beijing, events in more than 10 major cities also took place on Tuesday.