Press release
UN warning over climate emissions cannot be ignored
21 November 2012
Reacting to a report today (Wednesday 21 November 2012), by the UN Environment Programme, warning that average global temperature will rise by over two degrees centigrade unless action to tackle climate change is scaled-up and accelerated, Friends of the Earth's International climate campaigner Asad Rehman said:
"This report is a stark warning that cannot be ignored - nations must take urgent and comprehensive action to slash emissions to avert a climate disaster.
"The clock is ticking but there's still time to act - countries meeting in Doha next week must agree a clear course of action to tackle climate change before it is too late.
"Current EU plans are hopelessly inadequate - its proposals to cut emissions by 20 per cent of 1990 levels have already been met.
"Developed nations like Britain must show leadership by getting themselves off the fossil fuel hook and securing the new jobs and economic benefits that building a low carbon economy will bring."
ENDS
Note to Editors:
1. UNEP - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Gap Widening as Nations Head to Crucial Climate Talks in Doha.
2. European Environmental Agency report - Climate change, impacts and vulnerability in Europe 2012.
3. Please see Friends of the Earth's briefing on Closing the 'ambition gap'.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Nov 2012
