UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has announced a one-day conference on 22 September in order to promote the "political momentum needed to seal the deal" at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December, which will agree the international framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions after 2012.

"So far, the response by the world's governments has been less than sufficient," said Ban. "We have a lot of work to do, and not a lot of time," he added. "This is the time to act. All nations, and all leaders, have a stake in a successful outcome in Copenhagen. Climate change involves everyone."

Ban launched the "Seal the Deal" campaign at a press conference alongside New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who announced that his administration would be hosting a "Climate Week" from 21-25 September to focus attention on the issue.

"We have to do what is right for the world and what is right for America," said Bloomberg. "The action is needed on a global level, [but] we need to shrink our climate footprint."

Sources:

• http://www.ipsterraviva.net/Europe/article.aspx?id=7504
• http://www.sealthedeal2009.org/News_Ban-Invite-Climate-Week-in-NY.asp

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