9 April 2009: Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary, UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), highlighted that the current focus on responding to the international financial crisis should not postpone efforts to address the effects of climate change. She outlined the region’s priorities in addressing climate change during a conference on the Japanese proposal Cool Earth 50 offered by Akio Hosono at ECLAC headquarters in Santiago, Chile.

She stressed that reaching consensus in Copenhagen in December 2009 cannot be postponed and explained that ECLAC suggests preparing a regional agenda on energy policy for the short and medium run that may include improving energy security, promoting energy savings and efficiency, diversifying energy sources, and promoting social equality in the access and consumption of energy.
During the event, Akio Hosono explained how Japan was able to reduce its carbon emissions through a programme that increased energy efficiency by over 30% in the past 30 years. Cool Earth 50 proposes reducing global emissions by half by 2050, with international cooperation and innovation. It also promotes assistance for developing nations and new financial means to support them. [ECLAC press release]