UN Sec.-Gen. Ban Calls for 'Green New Deal'

clipped from www.un.org Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for renewed global solidarity to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and the financial crisis, telling ministers gathered at a United Nations conference in Poland that the world cannot afford to let economic woes hinder progress on “the defining challenge of our era.” Addressing the opening of the high-level segment of the UN Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Mr. Ban stressed the need to act now and avoid any backsliding on commitments to tackle these threats. “The world is watching us. The next generation is counting on us. We must not fail,” he told participants from nearly 200 nations, who have been meeting for nearly two weeks as part of UN-led negotiations aimed at reaching an ambitious global climate change deal next year. “An investment that fights climate change, creates millions of green jobs and spurs green growth.” What the world needs is a “Green New Deal” – one that works for all nations, rich and poor, he stated.

“In short, our response to the economic crisis must advance climate goals, and our response to the climate crisis will advance economic and social goals,” said Mr. Ban.

You know, a lot of influential people seem to be on the same page about this. Then again, it's an obvious solution to two problems.