The Foreign Service Journal, March 2008

well as ecosystem, coral reef and nat- ural resource protection. We place a high priority on assisting populations and regions that are particularly vul- nerable to the adverse impacts of cli- mate change. For example, the United States is leading efforts like the Global Earth Observation System of Systems, a partnership of more than 70 countries that gives communities early warning of natural disasters and improves decisionmaking for agriculture, coast- al development and other economic sectors affected by climate variability and change. Developing countries are increas- ingly concerned about their vulnera- bility to climate change, and adapta- tion is a key issue at climate negotia- tions. By exerting leadership to build developing countries’ capacity to adapt to climate change impacts, we build coalitions of support for “main- streaming” adaptation into climate- related policy and development efforts across the globe. A Common Responsibility As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has said, climate change has truly global implications for every nation. We have a common responsibility to address climate change, and we will all need to make appropriate contribu- tions to achieve our common goals. We took a first step in Bali in beginning an important discussion about how to achieve a truly global solution. This is a new and exciting chapter in climate change diplomacy. The United States is committed to working hard over the next two years to ensure that we implement the Bali roadmap in a way that achieves this end. In this work, we are engaged, serious and pragmatic. We accept the leadership role we know we must play as we all work together to develop and implement practical and effective solutions to the challenges of climate change and energy security. (Note: Additional information about the U.S. approach to climate change is available at: http://www. state.gov/g/oes/climate.) Under Secretary of State for Demo- cracy and Global Affairs Paula J. Dobriansky led the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Framework Con- vention on Climate Change discus- sions in Bali this past December. M A R C H 2 0 0 8 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 21 I N R E S P O N S E