The European Union and Group of Eight President Germany called on top politicians to collaborate in addressing global warming, which they described as one of the most significant threats facing the world. German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the urgency of taking action on climate change at a security conference in Munich, stating that the issue affects everyone and requires coordinated efforts from all nations. She compared climate change to a future war that must be addressed collectively. Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and US Senator for Arizona John McCain were present in the audience. Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has made tackling global warming a priority during her dual EU and G8 presidencies. She aims to encourage nations to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy, and transition to renewable fuels. Merkel has also discussed advancing a framework agreement to reduce greenhouse gases post the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol in 2012. Germany's coalition of left and right parties is internally divided on various energy policies, and the government has opposed certain European Union proposals to reduce emissions.