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Climate Action
News article16 November 2016Directorate-General for Climate Action

Meeting of the parties to the Paris Agreement - Statement by Miguel Arias Cañete, Commissioner for Climate Action & Energy, European Commission

Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Delegates, Ladies and gentlemen, We, the Parties to the Paris Agreement. We, civil society. We, cities and provinces. We, businesses and investors. We, developed and developing countries. We

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Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Delegates, Ladies and gentlemen,

We, the Parties to the Paris Agreement. We, civil society. We, cities and provinces. We, businesses and investors. We, developed and developing countries.

We are on the right side of history.

What once seemed unattainable, is now unstoppable.

This unprecedented, rapid entry into force of the Paris Agreement shows that we have been compelled by what science predicts, and by what our daily experience confirms is true: that the climate is changing.

We respond with optimism, not complacency.

We are getting ready to future-proof our economies for the global clean energy revolution.

Thinking back to the shared ambition, determination and positive spirit in the final hours of Paris still makes me proud.

In Paris, we struck a deal that we can and will honor.

We made sure that no one was left behind.

And we made sure the greatest burden fell on those with the broadest shoulders.

Paris brought us together as one in really challenging times.

This spirit will be preserved.

It will continue.

And it will endure.

As we enter into unchartered waters, let me assure you the European Union will stand firm on shaky ground.

We are here to stand for the Paris Agreement.

We are here to defend the Paris Agreement.

And we are here to turn the Paris Agreement into action.

Because we have all the reasons to fight for it: our families, our health, our welfare, our security and our livelihoods.

Let us all together move from the spirit of Paris to the resolve of Marrakesh.

In so doing, let me assure you that the world can count on the European Union to continue to lead the work to face one the greatest challenges of our time.

The European Union has the most ambitious emissions reduction target. We are passing all the necessary legislation to meet the target and address the economic and social implications of the transition to a low-carbon economy.

And as well as acting decisively at home, we will continue to work with all you in partnership.

Last year, the EU and its Member States provided 17.6 billion euros to developing countries to help them tackle climate change.

This is a significant increase compared to the previous year and a clear sign that we are committed to do our fair share to meet the goal of delivering 100 billion dollars per year by 2020.

Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Delegates, Ladies and gentlemen,

Let us see the Paris Agreement and the low-carbon transition for what it is: the growth engine of our economies, and the key to our collective prosperity.

Our commitment to this Agreement today is as in Paris: irreversible and non-negotiable.

Tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.

Let us continue, today, together, to build the right side of history.

Details

Publication date
16 November 2016
Author
Directorate-General for Climate Action