UN Climate Change Expert to Speak in Santa Fe

"Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. That is why I have made it one of the defining priorities of my tenure as Secretary-General. Over the past nine years, I have spoken repeatedly with nearly every world leader. I have visited the climate front lines, from the Arctic to Antarctica and to the Amazon, from the Sahel to the Aral Sea. I have been to Pacific Islands that are sinking under the waves. Most of all, I have listened to people – the young, the poor and the vulnerable, including indigenous peoples, from every corner of the globe.They have demanded that world leaders act to safeguard their well-being and that of generations to come. Here in Paris, we have heeded their voices – as was our duty." -UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered the above comments at the closing ceremony of the Climate Talks in Paris in December 2015. And chances are that Cynthia Scharf help prepare the address for the secretary general. As a speechwriter and senior member o the Secretary-General's Climate Change Support Team on climate change and sustainable energy, Scharf accompanied and advised the Ban ki-moon on the COP21 climate negotiations, which led to the historic Paris Agreement. She also played a key role in creating the strategy for the Secretary-General's Head of State climate change summits (2014 and 2009). Here is the full speech at the close of the COP21 meeting the remarks that the secretary-general made at the presentation of the draft document before the summit.

Scharf is coming to Santa Fe on Monday, June 6, 7:00 p.m., to offer a perspective on the Paris Climate talks Speaking in a personal capacity only, and not on behalf of the UN, her focus is "A climate for change: what the Paris Agreement means for us, for our children, and the future of climate action."

Scharf's daughter, Nadya Klimenko, a student at Wesleyan University, will share in a follow-up dialogue on how a younger generation sees the climate-changed future.

A reception follows the presentations at United Church of Santa Fe, 1804 Arroyo Chamiso Rd. (map). The program is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Dr. Larry Rasmussen or Rev. Talitha Arnold (505-988-3295)

An impressive group of faith communities and civic organizations is sponsoring the event:  Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis, First Presbyterian Church of  Santa Fe,Ghost Ranch Retreat and Conference Center, New Mexico Interfaith Power & Light, Santa Fe Council of International Relations, St. Bede's Episcopal Church, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe, and the United Church of Santa Fe