Post date: Nov 29, 2010 4:22:22 PM
Mexico's President Felipe Calderon inaugurates a wind turbine to help power upcoming U.N. climate talks as Cancun prepares to host the summit.
MEXICO-CLIMATE CALDERON - A wind turbine set to generate electricity for the upcoming U.N. climate talks in Mexico spins to life.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon inaugurated the turbine as a symbol of optimism for the 200 nations gathering in Cancun.
MEXICAN PRESIDENT FELIPE CALDERON, SAYING:
"Above all, to set in motion this modern wind turbine which will supply clean energy to the COP16, the most
important global climate change summit, which is about to get underway."The summit at this Caribbean resort will look for modest steps to slow climate change.
This will include how the U.S. and China can cut emissions amid strained tensions between the two countries.
2010 is set to be one of the warmest years since temperature recording began in the 19th century.
Scientists say rising temperatures could mean more floods and other natural disasters.
U.N. climate chief Christiana Figueres stressed the need for collaboration.
U.N. CLIMATE CHIEF, CHRISTIANA FIGUERES, SAYING:
"What is very very clear is that what is necessary here is an every-growing sense of commitment on the part of all."
The 12-day summit comes with a tight security presence, including warships stationed off the coast.
Some environmental groups say that such security is disproportionate, and sends the wrong message about climate dialogue.
David Botti, Reuters