UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan urged world leaders Monday to use the United Nations-backed Kyoto Protocol to move on climate change and called for governments, businesses and citizens to adopt a new mindset on energy resources.

"Now that the Kyoto Protocol has entered into force, the world has a dynamic tool for stabilizing and reducing emissions and supporting climate-friendly projects in developing counties," said Annan when accepting an environment award in Dubai.

The UN leader was accorded the 2005 Global Leadership for Environment award for his work with the environment.

The Kyoto Protocol is the 1997 landmark treaty designed to curb the greenhouse gas emissions that have been determined to cause global warming. The binding pact, which entered into force last February, requires 35 industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012.

In his speech at the Dubai gathering, Annan warned that the world remains "perilously wedded to oil and other fossil fuels," and called for the use of cleaner technology. The text of the speech was also distributed at the UN headquarters in New York.

"All humankind must get the maximum benefit from every barrel, gallon or litre consumed -- much as we try to do with water, where 'more crop per drop' is our mantra," he said.

Annan also advocated alternative, renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and biofuel. "The soaring demand for oil is concentrating the minds of the world as never before," he pointed out.

He emphasized that "everyone has a role" to play in changing the current energy mindset, including governments and businesses.

Source: Xinhua Net