Ask Gordon Brown to act on climate change

Last December the United Nations held international climate talks in Poland. But little progress was made on the key issues of:

Targets for reducing emissions
Financial commitments

This was partly because the European Union (EU) failed to agree to do its share.

A demonstration at the recent climate talks in Poland

Time to lead

We need a strong and fair deal at the next UN climate talks in Copenhagen in December. The UK is represented by the EU at these talks.

Heads of government will shape the outcome at Copenhagen when they meet the EU council between 19-20 March.

We need to ensure that the UK uses its influence to push for a strong position.

Changes needed

The current EU proposals for a global climate deal are weak and inadequate.

Friends of the Earth believes we need concrete commitments for:

Finance for developing countries
To address the impacts of climate change and support clean development goals.
Tough targets for EU countries
To reduce their own emissions rather than buying offset credits.

Take action

Please write to the Prime Minister and ask him to take action on climate change.

Email Gordon Brown

Dear Prime Minister

Here's an example you can use (but a personal message from you would be much more effective).

Climate change is happening now and is already hitting the poorest and most vulnerable people hardest. Developed countries must take and support actions required to keep global temperatures as far below the dangerous climate threshold of two degrees Celsius as possible, while at the same time safeguarding the right of poorer countries to develop in a low carbon way. I am pleased that countries are working together through the United Nations to secure a safe climate future. However, I am deeply concerned that the current European Union position does not reflect the urgency and strength of action needed to prevent climate catastrophe and help poorer people adapt to the changing climate. The UK must push for a stronger EU position which effectively and equitably addresses the need for financing of emissions reductions and adaptation for developing countries and tough emissions reduction targets. The proposal as it stands lacks detail, and will not build the trust that is needed to obtain a strong and fair climate deal at Copenhagen. As a supporter of Friends of the Earth and along with supporters of CAFOD, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Practical Action, Tearfund and WWF as part of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition, I call on you to push the EU to commit to: - At least 40% emission reductions by 2020 from 1990 levels, with all of this coming from cuts in domestic emissions - no offsetting. - Providing its fair share of the total climate protection costs. This finance is necessary to support poor and vulnerable communities adapt to the changing climate (additional to Official Development Assistance) and to support emissions reductions action in developing countries. Only if the EU takes a progressive leadership position within international climate talks will we achieve the global climate response that is so desperately needed.

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