José María Figueres: Climate Change is the Greatest Challenge Humanity Has Ever Faced

Editor's note: This post was written by former President of Costa Rica José María Figueres for the Global Observatory.

As I look out the window, Christmas decorations abound in Kongens Nytorv Square, downtown Copenhagen. High above the Christmas decorations on one side of the square the European Environmental Agency has hung a big poster outside their building, inviting the world to ‘bend the trend’ of carbon emissions.

Around me there are eighteen volunteers all feverishly working to ensure the Global Observatory fulfills its commitments during COP15. We will be the ‘white box’ to the ‘black box’ (not very transparent) negotiation process. We will translate into every day common language the complexities of the negotiations, in order for media to help citizens around the world understand, become empowered, and influence their political representatives to move on Climate Change!

Politicians need to move on Climate Change, before it’s too late and Climate Change has moved on us! As we convene in this city, humanity is already doing three things with respect of Climate Change: mitigating, adapting, and suffering. The only choice we have is to choose the mix we prefer. With leadership and action, we can mitigate much, adapt less, and hardly suffer. That’s why reaching a high quality agreement in Copenhagen is so important.

Moving on Climate Change is also the largest challenge humanity has ever faced. Towards the future we need to de-couple growth and development, from carbon emissions. This is a daunting task, nothing short of reinventing the way we live, we work, and we interact with each other. It’s too important and complex to be left in the hands of only politicians. We all need to get involved. That’s why millions around the world have mobilized. That’s why we are here. The good news is we can do it! We have sufficient technology to accelerate transformation towards the low carbon economy. Movement in that direction will get the global economy back on track, generating much needed jobs.

Civil society should continue to inform and broaden understanding with respect to these issues. Governments need to create the proper regulatory frameworks that enable solutions. And the private sector needs to bring its dynamism and entrepreneurial skills to get the job done!

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As President of Costa Rica, José Maria Figueres created a comprehensive national sustainable development strategy, combining sound macroeconomic indicators, strategic human development investments, and a strong alliance with nature. In the international arena, President Figueres has pioneered the linkage between sustainable development and technology. He was the Chairperson of United Nations ICT Task Force and CEO of the World Economic Forum, where he strengthened global corporate ties to social and governmental sectors. Currently President Figueres is CEO of Concordia21 in Spain, dedicated to supporting organizations which promote development and democratic values around the world.

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Photo: Kongens Nytorv Square, Copenhagen, Denmark. Ikkoskien's Flickr/Creative Commons