Conference on climate change concludes with Athens Declaration

ATHENS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The international conference on climate change concluded here Wednesday with adoption of the Athens Declaration on Vulnerable Children and Climate Change, which placed emphasis on the urgent need to take actions facilitating necessary adjustments.

It raised the issue of common opportunities and restrictions and highlighted the challenges for the future generations, taking into consideration the limited resilience displayed by the most vulnerable and poor populations, while calling for stronger international cooperation in this direction.

Delegates from all over the world discussed the topics focusing on the repercussions of climate change on more vulnerable social groups, as well as investment issues and funding aimed at limiting the emissions of "greenhouse" effect gases and the adjustment to climate change.

The vulnerable communities in the region of the Mediterranean, such as the elderly and the very young, especially those suffering from chronic diseases, are most likely to be among those who will be greatly affected by the destabilization of the climate system coupled with the imminent disruption of the eco-systems, the declaration said.

In its efforts to reduce "greenhouse" gases, the Mediterranean region can play a major role by increasing the use of renewable energy systems and promoting effective actions and environmentally friendly technologies in important sectors of the economy, according to the declaration.

The international conference on "Climate Change and Challenges for the Future Generations" began in this Greek capital Tuesday under the patronage of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.