This afternoon Secretary John Kerry made a speech at the UN climate summit in Lima, Peru.

Following is a statement from Jennifer Morgan, Global Director, Climate Program, World Resources Institute:

“Secretary Kerry delivered a powerful message at Lima: by this time next year, countries need to deliver a global climate agreement. Without strong and coordinated global action, the risks of climate change are far too great.

“Thankfully, the dynamics around international climate action have shifted. The landmark U.S.-China joint announcements bolstered international ambition, while new standards for power plants set the stage for the United States to reach its new emission reduction target. Secretary Kerry, a longtime climate champion, has shown that the U.S. will not back down from its global obligation to respond to the climate crisis.

“The world is waking up to the fact that action on climate change can deliver economic benefits. Smart climate policies will drive innovation and new technologies, open new markets, and create lasting economic growth. It will bring new opportunities for developed and developing countries alike.

“As we enter the final hours of COP20, negotiators need to come together with a similar level of conviction to move ahead with creating the foundation for a strong climate agreement.”

Photo credit: World Resources Institute, Flickr