30 years of politics and climate change

Brut America

Sixteen world leaders, 30 years, one common concern: climate change.

Transcript

00:00There is no longer any significant difference of opinion within the scientific community

00:08about the fact that the greenhouse effect is real and is already occurring.

00:15An important biological species is at risk of disappearing

00:22due to the rapid and progressive liquidation of its natural conditions of life, man.

00:29We come to Rio prepared to continue America's unparalleled efforts to preserve species and habitat.

00:36We in the industrialized countries have to change our perception of what good life means.

00:43We will be asking for a very strong commitment on the part of the developed world

00:47to deal with the problems of pollution and climate change,

00:50which are causing enormous problems throughout the world.

00:53Developed countries must lead the way in reducing our emissions.

00:57Developing countries should participate meaningfully,

01:00also taking on emissions targets whenever possible.

01:03We're committed to reducing greenhouse gases in the United States.

01:07Our home is on fire.

01:11And we look elsewhere.

01:14The Earth and humanity are in danger.

01:20And we are all responsible.

01:22It is now that timely action can avert disaster.

01:25It is now that with foresight and will, such action can be taken

01:30without disturbing the essence of our way of life,

01:33by adjusting behavior, not altering it entirely.

01:36The question is not whether climate change is happening or not,

01:42but whether in the face of this emergency, we ourselves can change fast enough.

01:49That so many of us are here today

01:53is a recognition that the threat from climate change is serious,

01:58it is urgent, and it is growing.

02:02Our generation's response to this challenge will be judged by history.

02:07This is the science. We must work according to the science.

02:12This is a politically and morally imperative and historic responsibility for the leaders,

02:20for the future of humanity.

02:22We have two paths.

02:25The path of death or the path of life.

02:28The question of climate change is not simply to prevent climate disasters,

02:34which have already taken place.

02:36It is to prevent humanitarian disasters and political disasters.

02:40Population displacement, territorial conflicts,

02:46fears for the very future of certain nations.

02:51Climate change is a reality in North America,

02:54in particular in the north,

02:56where the strongest warming trends are being felt.

02:59In Germany, in Europe and in the world,

03:03we will join forces to tackle the challenges of humanity,

03:07such as climate change,

03:10and to successfully overcome them.

03:14We are losing the battle.

03:16Those who were before us had a chance.

03:19They could say we didn't know.

03:21And it was true.

03:23For twenty years, we have known.

03:25And we know a little more each time.

03:28Time is running out, but it's not too late.

03:31So let us heed the calls of wise leaders,

03:34religious, business and especially young people

03:37who are taking to the streets to demand that we change our relationship with nature now.

03:43Let us lace up our running shoes and win the climate race for us all.

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