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Ban welcomes climate change deal

19 December 2007

Secretary general of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon has welcomed agreement at the climate change summit in Bali, where some 187 countries on Saturday set the goal of launching a two-year 'roadmap' of formal talks on confronting global warming.

The roadmap covers concrete measures to adapt to climate change and cut greenhouse gas emissions, better use of eco-friendly technology and financing adaptation and mitigation measures.

Countries also agreed to redouble efforts under the auspices of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to fight deforestation in poor countries, boost investment in eco-technology and enhance funding for adaptation measures.

Mr Ban said the deal was "a pivotal first step" toward a deal to address climate change ¿ "the defining challenge of our time".

He said that he appreciated "the spirit of cooperation" among all parties to achieve an outcome "to benefit all humanity".

UNFCCC executive secretary Yvo de Boer commented: "Parties have recognised the urgency of action on climate change and have now provided the political response to what scientists have been telling us is needed."

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