The United Nations emits 1.7 million tons of carbon dioxide annually and will work to cut their emissions as part of their ongoing effort to make the UN environmentally greener, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said Tuesday.

Nesirky told reporters at a daily press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York that the "inventory" of greenhouse gas footprints are a "first step" in reducing emissions, as a result of the UN secretary-general's "determination to make the UN a climate friendly body."

"The UN emits the equivalent of 1.7 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, of which approximately one million tons come from peacekeeping operations," Nesirky said.

According to the Nesirky, the UN's environment management group reviewed emissions from various UN agencies, in addition to emissions from the UN headquarters, operations and peacekeeping missions.

"The UN will now work towards a common approach on emission reductions and also towards emission reduction strategies for each UN institution," he added.

Arriving Tuesday in Copenhagen for the opening of the high level-segment of climate change talks, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged nations to "seal the deal," saying that there is need to sign "a deal in our common interest."

"A deal that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, that protects the most vulnerable, that ushers in a new era of clean development and green growth for all," the UN chief said.

The Copenhagen conference, which will conclude on Dec. 18, aims for a new global deal to push forward the fight against climate change, in addition to bridging the gaps between developing and developed countries on key issues like climate financing.

(Xinhua News Agency December 16, 2009)