Climate change affects us all. So what's stopping us joining forces to act on it? - Op-ed by Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations

Three decades from now the world is going to be a very different place.  How it looks will depend on actions we take today.  We have big decisions to make and little time to make them if we are to provide stability and greater prosperity to the world's growing population.  Top of the priority list is climate change.

To build political momentum and help bring about action, I am convening a climate summit in New York on 23 September.  I am pressing national leaders, along with mayors and senior representatives from business, finance and civil society, to join a "race to the top" by showcasing solutions and forging partnerships that can steer the world away from cataclysm and towards a sustainable future.

Change is in the air – I can sense it at all levels of society.  Solutions exist.  The race is on.  My challenge to all political and business leaders, all concerned citizens and voters is simple:  be at the head of the race.  Don't get left behind.  Don't be on the losing side of history.  Let us work together to make climate change a top priority for all leaders – at home and in the global arena.  Let us take advantage of the opportunities presented by climate action and lay the foundations for a more prosperous and secure future for all.

Climate change affects us all.  So what's stopping us joining forces to act on it? - Op-ed by Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations