UN chief calls for collective action for climate change response

NEW YORK, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Monday underscored the urgent need for collective action to save the planet on the eve of the largest-ever gathering of world leaders on the issue of climate change.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks during the opening ceremony of Climate Week NYC  Monday, Sept. 21, 2009 in New York.(Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Kicking off the first-ever "Climate Week NYC" at New York City Library, Ban called on civil society, faith groups, businesses and governments to join forces to combat climate change.

"Your collective efforts are vital for generating greater public awareness on climate change," he said at the event also attended by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Tuesday's summit, which is expected to be attended by some 100 heads of state and government, seeks to mobilize political momentum to "accelerate the pace of negotiations and help strengthen the ambition of what is on offer," Ban said.