King of Morocco Warns against Wait-and-See Attitudes in Addressing Climate Change

Marrakech- King Mohammed VI of Morocco has warned against wait-and-see attitudes in addressing climate change, saying that procrastination will jeopardize security and stability and exacerbate the already expanding hotspots of tension and crises in the world.

“The whole of mankind is pinning great hopes on the resolutions to be endorsed. It is expecting more than just a declaration of commitments and principles to curb greenhouse warming and mitigate its effects,” said King Mohammed VI in Marrakech on the 22nd U.N. conference on climate change (COP22).

“Indeed, humanity is looking forward to decisions which will help save the future of life on earth, and calling for tangible initiatives and practical steps to preserve the rights of upcoming generation,” stressed the Monarch.

He also said that the last fifteen years have witnessed the emergence of a discourse expanding on environmental issues, together with an increase in the number of NGOs involved in environmental advocacy.

“More importantly, this period has been marked by growing awareness of the importance of preserving the environment”, said the King, stressing the need of stepping up coordination and cooperation from all players.

The monarch urged all parties to work on translating shared commitment into actions by providing the countries of the South with urgent financial and technical support to enhance their capacities and enable them to adapt to climate change.

He also called on advanced countries to honor their commitments and raise 100 billion dollars at least by 2020 in line with the goals set out by the Paris Agreement.

For his part, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon affirmed that the U.N. will assist countries to fulfil their commitments in the field of reducing emissions causing global warming. He also encouraged all parties to commence the quick implementation.

“The United States must respect the commitments it has undertaken,” French President Francois Hollande said. He stressed that France will keep on the talks with the U.S. in the name of the 100 countries that approved the Paris Agreement.

King of Morocco Warns against Wait-and-See Attitudes in Addressing Climate Change