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G8 Environmental Ministerial Meeting Meeting with Representatives of International Non-Governmental Organizations, Trieste, Italy

03/02/2001
Remarks of Governor Christine Todd Whitman,
Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency
at the
G8 Environmental Ministerial Meeting
Meeting with Representatives of
International Non-Governmental Organizations
Trieste, Italy

March 2, 2001


I want to thank all of you for being here in Trieste and for providing us with your views about how we as governments can address the main concerns of the international environmental community.

As governments, we want to be responsive to your concerns during our discussions.

I’d like to share with you some information about the United States’ position on some of the issues I believe are of mutual importance.

First, I want you to know that the United States considers global climate change to be one the greatest environmental challenges we face.

We recognize the importance of the Conference of the Parties, and look forward to the continuation of the UNFCCC negotiations.

I would also like to make sure you know that the United States. has requested an extension to the preparation time prior to COP6-bis.

For my government, there are particular concerns about supplementarity, sinks, and the continuing lack of a plan for the developing countries to follow the lead of the industrialized nations in developing a plan to slow emissions growth.

In addition, our views on the substantive agenda for Rio+10 are under discussion. We do believe Agenda 21 continues to provide a valuable and comprehensive approach to sustainable development.

We value a participatory role for non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders in the preparations for Johannesburg 2002 and at the review itself.

We believe key issues, such as the effects of globalization on sustainable development and a better rationalization of the international environmental institutions, merit careful consideration and discussion during the review process.

Again, thank you for being here. Personally, I welcome your suggestions on how we can fulfill our missions to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment.