Global warming is a social, economic and national security issue, not just an environmental one, the environment secretary has told United Nations delegates.
David Miliband said the issue was the "ultimate global problem" which required a global solution and the UN was central to that.
He said the issue will affect all parts of the world, but the poorest nations - those who have contributed least to climate change - were likely to suffer the most.
In a speech to ambassadors and representatives from UN member states at the organisation's headquarters in New York, Mr Miliband said: "The central role of the UN in tackling climate change is clear.
"If we are to succeed in agreeing the building blocks of an international framework, we must avoid the false choices and cul-de-sacs that can bedevil this debate.
"Tackling climate change must move out of the box marked 'environment' and be recognised as integral to achieving our objectives of poverty alleviation and economic growth."
He said heads of governments needed to get involved and tackle the issue, which was an "economic, social and national security issue".
"The choice is not between economic growth for today's citizens at the expense of the welfare of future generations," he said.
"Economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand, but it requires all countries to share responsibility, and richer nations to show leadership and commitment and help poorer nations become low-carbon economies.
"The prize is one that I think is well worth striving for."
