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The president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, has highlighted the importance of defending the environment at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly, stating that it is impossible to close one's eyes to the devastation of climate change.
After expressing condolences to the victims of Mexico's two recent earthquakes as well as the hurricane victims in the Caribbean, the Chilean head of state said that local challenges must be tied to global needs and responsibilities.
“We are at a key turning point in humanity’s history,” she said, adding that it was time to take responsibility for climate change and “dare to change our production models.”
She pointed to various measures the Chilean government has adopted to address the environmental crisis, including a green tax on carbon emissions in its energy sector, steps to protect biodiversity, and stepping up the use of renewable energy nationwide from 6.3 to 17 percent.
Bachelet said that 8 million tons of plastic end up in the sea each year, causing irrevocable harm to marine life, and urged plastic bags be banned in coastal cities.
She also called for "credible dialogue" between the Venezuelan government and the country's opposition.
"Chile together with 11 countries in the region has called for a credible dialogue between the government and the opposition, and we are ready to play the role that Venezuelans deem appropriate in order to obtain good results in a peaceful, political and democratic."
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