UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon stressed the role of US state and local authorities in fighting climate change and pushing for a new international climate agreement, in a June 12 speech.

"On climate change, crucial negotiations have been taking place. Today, the first round of negotiations concluded in Bonn. Things are moving. We all have a stake in fighting climate change. That is why I ask you to help us push political leaders to seal a deal in Copenhagen in December. I am encouraged that President Obama has taken a forward-looking, positive point of view. We need the United States to be part of this effort. The United States and other developed countries have a political and historical responsibility to act. That is why I ask mayors and governors in the United States to do their part. The policy may come from the President, but what needs to be done should also be done by the governors, county executives and mayors."

The Secretary General made his remarks at the St.  Louis University in Missouri, USA.