MOVING TOWARDS A CLIMATE NEUTRAL UN Foreword

Climate change is the defining challenge of our generation. Scientists warn we have less than 10 years to halt the global rise in greenhouse gas emissions if we are to avoid catastrophic consequences. For this reason, I made climate change a top priority as soon as I took office. It is a practical and moral imperative. The decisions we make today will affect almost all the work of the United Nations for sustainable development, social prog- ress, human rights, peace and stability.

In combating climate change I resolved that the United Nations should lead by example. On World Environ- ment Day 2007 I mandated that we would use energy more efficiently and eliminate wasteful practices in our headquarters and offices around the globe. In New York I instructed that the Capital Master Plan for the new Secretariat building be a model of energy efficien- cy and green best practice.

All heads of United Nations agencies, funds and pro- grammes have joined this effort. The UN system is col- lectively developing a climate-neutral approach for its premises and operations. I would like to thank the members of the UN System Chief Executives Board

and, in particular, Mr. Achim Steiner, Executive Direc- tor of the United Nations Environment Programme, in his capacity as Chair of the Environment Management Group, for coordinating this initiative.

While much remains to be done, I am pleased to note we have made progress. This report documents the steps we have taken towards climate-neutrality and environmental sustainability. I hope it serves as inspira- tion for further achievement.

The responsibility for the future lies in our hands. Let change begin at home.

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New York, 4 December 2009

Ban Ki-moon United Nations Secretary-General