TONY BLAIR MAKES STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT ON THE G8 SUMMIT Regarding Global Warming (7/11/05) The United States did not ratify the Kyoto Protocal; Greenpeace asks President Bush: "What are you waiting for?"

Date:   7/12/2005 11:08:46 PM ( 19 y ago)

Tony Blair:

"There were two major issues on the agenda for this summit - Africa and Climate Change.

Climate Change is perhaps the most long-term serious threat to our environment. Already sea ice in the Arctic has shrunk by one million square kilometres; the ten hottest years on record have all occurred since 1991; and sea levels are rising. Until now the international community has been divided, with no agreement on the nature or urgency of the problem, what to do about it, or how to start a discussion which would involve both the United States and the key emerging economies such as India and China.

In respect of climate change, our discussion included the leaders of China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico.

We were able to do four things. First we agreed that Climate Change was indeed a problem, with human activity contributing to it. Second, that we had to tackle it with urgency. Third, that in order to do that, we have to slow down, stop and in time reverse greenhouse gas emissions. Gleneagles adopted an action plan to exploit cleaner technologies which meet our energy needs and safeguard the climate, including measures to develop technologies such as bioenergy and cleaner coal, to promote energy efficiency, and to finance investment in clean technologies in emerging economies.

Fourth, we put in place a new dialogue involving the G8, the emerging economies and the key international institutions to create a pathway to a post Kyoto agreement, so that when Kyoto expires after 2012, the world can act with unity. The new Dialogue between the G8 + 5 and others will have its first meeting in the UK in November.

Of course the task is now to implement what has been agreed. And on the environment, today's largest economy can achieve agreement with the largest economies of tomorrow to get the framework, technology and policy in place to reverse the threat of global warming."



To Read Tony Blair's full statement, including the G8 committment to ending poverty in Africa, go to:

http://www.g8.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&...



How the United States Measures Up:

Bush vs. the World at Global Warming Talks

"British Prime Minister Tony Blair served as president of the G8 meeting in Scotland from July 6 - July 8. He had been outspoken about his hope that this meeting would result in an agreement among the leaders on the scientific threat posed by global warming and the urgent need for action.

Bush officials have been hard at work behind the scenes for months to make sure that didn't happen. They pushed to weaken key sections of a proposal for joint action by the nations to curb climate change. Bush has already succeeded in embarrassing the United States with his decision not to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.

The final communiqué includes a statement affirming that the countries that have already ratified Kyoto (exludes the United States!) would work to make it a success. The conference also saw a strong statement from significant developing countries (the "G5" - Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa) supporting Kyoto and stating that a real commitment to share sustainable energy technology with developing countries is essential. These 12 countries emphasized the need for tough targets to reduce CO2 emissions but Bush remains isolated and alone in his refusal to act

President Bush did acknowledge that climate change is 'a significant, long-term issue that we've got to deal with.' "

Greenpeace asks President Bush: "What are you Waiting for?"

From Greenpeace http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/g8-2005
 

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