As the third plank of the program it is essential that a robust climate deal be reached in Copenhagen in December to replace the Kyoto Protocol limiting the greenhouse gas emissions of industrialized nations, which expires in 2012.

"A successful deal in Copenhagen offers the most potent global stimulus package possible. With a new climate framework in hand, business and governments will finally have the carbon price signal businesses have been clamoring for, one that can unleash a wave of innovation and investment in clean energy," they declared.

Climate change, together with the global financial and food crises, is seen as one of the major challenges facing the world today, and the UN secretary-general has put it a top priority to reach consensus among member states to tackle global warming this year.

"Copenhagen will provide the green light for green growth. This is the basis for a truly sustainable economic recovery that will benefit us and our children's children for decades to come," they concluded.

"With so much at stake, governments must be strategic in their choices," the wrote. "We must not let the urgent undermine the essential. Investing in the green economy is not an optional expense. It is a smart investment for a more equitable, prosperous future."

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2009)