In an effort to convey the average Indian’s voice to world leaders during the Climate Change Conference (COP15) at Copenhagen this December, several experts on Friday called on to the people to sign their support on a Climate Petition, as a part of an online movement called ‘Hopenhagen’.

The petition reads: “We, the people of the world, urge political leaders to: 1) seal the deal at COP15 on a climate agreement that is definitive, equitable and effective, 2) set binding targets to cut greenhouse gases by 2020, 3) establish a framework that will bolster the climate resilience of vulnerable countries and protect lives and livelihoods, 4) support developing countries’ adaptation efforts and secure climate justice for all.”

Sponsored by the United Nations itself, this petition along with every name signed on it will be presented to the leaders at COP15 in December.

Hopenhagen is an international movement originating at Denmark on September 21, less than 80 days before the COP15 meeting kicks off. Its aim is to collect support from across the world for the UN mission, engage the public and encourage world leaders to commit to signing a substantive, new treaty at UN Climate Conference.

Nobel laureate Dr Rajendra Pachauri who extended his support to the campaign on Friday said, “Hope is what we need and the Hopenhagen movement will provide the right platform to create a consensus for global emission and climate change. If we want to stabilize the earth’s climate we have a very short window of opportunity. While leaders need to take a lead in propagating the issue of climate change, they need the support of public because that is the essence of democracy.”

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