29 September 2010: The General Debate of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) concluded on 29 September 2010, in New York, US, with Assembly President Joseph Deiss (Switzerland) underlining that many speakers had addressed the risks associated with climate change, including the loss of biodiversity, and reiterated the need for more efforts to address those challenges head on.

On the climate change negotiations, India expressed its readiness to work in a positive spirit with others to achieve an equitable outcome to those ongoing talks. Ethiopia and Bhutan called for the upcoming Cancun meeting to produce a legally binding commitment. Paraguay and Guinea supported an urgent, coordinated global response to reverse the tragic and devastating consequences of climate change.

On climate finance, Côte d’Ivoire welcomed progress made at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, in particular the allocation of US$30 billion for adaptation measures in developing countries. Tonga called for a dedicated stream of readily accessible “fast start” financing projects for small island developing States (SIDS). Norway mentioned the work of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing, noting great efforts towards raising funds committed at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. She also urged all UN member States to focus on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD).

On renewable energy, Ethiopia indicated that it committed to become carbon neutral by 2025, and since 2008, had annually planted over a billion trees throughout the country. Ethiopia and Thailand stated they would increase their renewable energy use. Ethiopia and Guinea underscored the need for technical cooperation. [UN Press Release]