Royal Visit at Arctic Venue

Prince Albert is known for his great engagement in Arctic matters and studied the many booths with interest. On the AMAP booth Executive Secretary Lars-Otto Reiersen gave the prince the GRIS-report which was published Monday on COP15.

"This moment in history is critical, the mobilization of everybody is vital," said the Prince, "that of the states directly involved, whom we formally call upon to instigate concerted action in order to preserve this heritage shared by the whole of mankind; that of the other countries, who must be aware of the impact of their actions on the Arctic ice, however indirect and distant this may appear to be; and finally, that of all of us, who must learn to change our habits and models in order to have any hope of reversing the destructive spiral in which the entire planet is today involved."

Prince Albert of Monaco is a member of the Aspen Institute Commission on Arctic Climate Change, a partnership formed between the Aspen Institute and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in light of impending changes to the Arctic. The Commission is composed of scientists, policy experts, oil company executives and representatives from Arctic native communities and environmental organizations whose knowledge, prominence, and affiliations can give weight and draw attention to the group's work. The Commission is examining the implications of impending climate changes for the Arctic, assessing the adequacy of current multilateral arrangements and the most current scientific understanding of Arctic systems, and making recommendations for greater international cooperation.