We’ve known for some time that we have to worry about the impacts of climate change on our children’s and grandchildren’s generations. But we now have to worry about ourselves as well.

I don’t join or leave things lightly.

Today’s dialogue has succeeded in reinforcing the need for international partnerships and cooperation in tackling the reality of climate change.

The rewards that will flow from a successful shift to a low carbon economy are high. Neither governments nor business can afford to let these opportunities pass them by.

It is a stark and arresting fact that, since the middle of the 20th century, humankind has consumed more natural resources than in all previous human history.

Environmental damage such as graffiti, fly-posting and general littering is a menace that is becoming all too prevalent, not just in inner cities but in many communities – urban and rural.

Humankind has the science and technology to destroy itself or to provide prosperity for all. But while science offers us these opportunities, science will not make that choice for us. Only the moral power of a world acting as a community can.

The focus of our agenda for this meeting is on energy, and on how we can make better use of technology to make the transition to a low-carbon economy.

You couldn't necessarily say, 'That hurricane, that storm, that flood only happened because of climate change,' (but) you're starting to see a pattern of extreme weather events.

Environmental damage such as graffiti, fly-posting and general littering is a menace that is becoming all too prevalent, not just in inner cities but in many communities - urban and rural.