Ban applauds Prague’s climate change preparedness

During his official visit in the Czech Republic’s capital, United Nations Secretary-General congratulated the city of Prague for its new protection system against floods, which involves mobile barriers to prevent the Vltava River from inundating the streets.

“Cities such as Prague have experienced major floods over the past two decades,” said the UN chief today after giving a lecture on climate change to the students of Charles University. “Lives have been lost, tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes and billions of euros of damage has been caused.”

“I was struck by the pictures from 2002 showing the flooded Czech capital, the Jewish Quarter under water, and UNESCO sites threatened by the rising tide,” he noted.

The Prague flood protection system is part of the most extensive in Europe. “This is a good example of leadership which makes a difference in saving lives and properties and protecting all of us from the damage and impact of climate change,” said Mr. Ban, adding that the UN holds risk reduction at one of its priorities.

While Czech Republic, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon takes time out to visit part of the new mobile flood barriers put up by the Prague fire department. Photos: UN

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