In response to today's publication of the IPCC Special Report "Managing the risks of extreme events and disasters to advance climate change adaptation", EU Commissioners Connie Hedegaard (Climate Action) and Kristalina Georgieva (International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis response) made a joint statement.

Commissioner Connie Hedegaard said: "Last week, the serious warnings from the International Energy Agency. Today, this IPCC report. It goes without saying that this is yet another wake-up call. With all the knowledge and rational arguments in favour of urgent climate action, it is frustrating to see that some governments do not show the political will to act.

Carbon emissions reached a record level last year. This can only highlight the worrying inconsistency between what is happening and what should be happening.

Governments will have another chance of getting their global act together at the end of this month in Durban. In light of the even more compelling facts, the question has to be put to those governments in favour of postponing decisions: for how long can you defend your inaction?"

Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva said: "This report serves as a timely reminder of the consequences for us all of the rising tide of disasters provoked by the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather. We have responded this year to floods in Pakistan, Thailand and Central America and the catastrophe in the Horn of Africa as a result of drought. At home in Europe we are also affected; witness the recent floods in Italy and Ireland.

My message is clear: by building resilience into everything we do – integrating our disaster risk reduction policies and practices with how we adapt to climate change - we will all reap the benefits - saving lives, limiting damage and preparing in advance in order to be better equipped for the worst that nature can throw at the most vulnerable."

• Special Report on Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation