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QUOTES-What are they saying at the COP29 environment summit?

World leaders are speaking at the U.N. environment summit in Baku on Wednesday.

Here are the most recent remarks:

ALBANIA PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA

I decided to leave aside my well ready speech because ... yesterday I was viewing the silent TV in the leaders' lounge, where the organizers have attentively added green plants above the comfy couches.

People there eat, consume, satisfy, and take images together, while images of voiceless speeches from leaders play on and on and on in the background.

To me, this appears exactly like what takes place in the real world everyday. Life goes on with its old routines, and our speeches, filled with good words about battling environment modification, modification nothing.

IRAN VICE PRESIDENT SHINA ANSARI (through translator)

We hope that (the) global neighborhood, devoid of political concerns, will stand together, exchange understanding, transfer innovation and help with accessing financial resources without discrimination, and totally lift unilateral sanctions versus nations, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Nevertheless, we can not forget the truth that the current climate situation of the world is the result of the industrial policies of (a) few developed countries and developing states will not be deprived of their right to development due to the fact that of what others have done.

Once again, we highlight that if this conference needs to plan to prove its goodwill in pursuing a better future for all, while continuing on avoiding double requirements to attain significant actions by all nations to achieve these objectives.

VATICAN SECRETARY OF STATE CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLI

A real eco-friendly debt exists, particularly in between the global north and south, connected to business imbalances, which impacts on the environment and the disproportionate usage of natural deposits by certain countries over long periods of time.

For that reason, it is important to look for a new worldwide monetary architecture that is human-centered. and based upon the concepts of equity, justice and solidarity. A financial architecture that can really guarantee for all countries, especially the poorest and those most vulnerable to environment catastrophes, both low carbon and high sharing development paths.

BAHAMAS PRIME MINISTER PHILIP DAVIS

Already, devastating climate occasions worldwide have resulted in considerable death, property, and infrastructure. And yet, we persist in reacting to these events as though they are simply unfortunate, separated, and nationwide occurrences. I ask you to look beyond borders, beyond flags: the fires that devour your forests and the cyclones that devastate our homes are not distant misfortunes however shared tragedies.

What we sustain, you endure. What we lose, you lose. And if we fail to act, it will be our kids and grandchildren who bear the concern, their dreams lowered to memories of what might have been.

GREECE PRIME MINISTER KYRIAKOS MITSOTAKIS

Europe and the world must be more sincere about the trade offs involved in the energy transition. Yes, the energy shift will, in the long run, lower costs, however this transition will not be painless.

We need to ask hard questions about a course that goes very fast at the cost of our competitiveness, and a path that goes somewhat slower but enables our market to adapt and to grow. It is our responsibility to weigh these trade offs carefully, not to blend them away.

Our citizens are faced with unmatched climate shocks, we require more resources to prepare to respond in time, in order to save lives and incomes and to help individuals and communities rebuild after catastrophe. We can not focus so much on 2050 that we forget 2024.

(source: Reuters)