The President held a meeting by video link with attendees at the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark on Tuesday (Dec. 15).

The video conference was held in the conference room of Presidential Committee on Green Growth in Jongno-gu, Seoul, and enabled the President to talk with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, former UN Special Envoy for Climate Change Han Seung-soo and other officials in Copenhagen. The officials made an in-depth discussion about progress in the talks taking place in Denmark and Korea''s own responsibility for a greener world. 

“We cannot resolve the problem of climate change if we just wait for someone else to take action first,” President Lee said. “Worldwide progress is possible only when we act first, and then ask others to join us.”

“I am glad that Korea''s carbon reduction goal has become a good example for other developing countries,” he continued. “It is important to propose exactly how to reduce carbon emissions and pursue growth at the same time rather than simply demanding developing nations to cut down on emission.” Korea announced last month that it would cut carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2020.

UN Secretary General Ban welcomed Korea''s willingness to lead the way for green leadership and explained the proceedings of the Copenhagen meeting. He added that the global community expects much from Korea''s role.

Han, too agreed on the important role Korea is playing, referring to China and India''s recent announcement to cut down their carbon emissions -- on Nov. 26 and Dec. 12 respectively -- which came not long after Korea''s own announcement to reduce emissions on Nov. 17.  

“I hope Korea''s vision of green growth becomes a guiding light to developing nations, and an inspiration to help their participation to counter climate change in the future,” Lee said. “There are no borders when it comes to saving the world and it is essential that we all come together to do this.”