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