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United states calls for climate talks delay
25 January 2001
Friends of the Earth reacted with frustration tonight at the request from the United States'new Bush administration to delay the planned resumption of international talks on tackling dangerous global climate change.
The original United Nations conference - taking place in The Hague last November - broke up without agreement after the European Union, the United States and others failed to resolve differences over how to go about tackling the issue. The Conference was planned to resume in Bonn, Germany, in May but American officials today have asked for a delay until July so they “take a thorough look at US climate policy”. Earlier reports had indicated the incoming Bush administration would not have completed the necessary political appointments in time for an international meeting in May.
Friends of the Earth campaigner Mark Johnston said:
“We are extremely frustrated that the US is seeking to further stall international agreement on climate change. As this week's dire warning from the UN revealed, action is urgently needed. With Bush's less than impressive record on environmental issues one fears that this delay will provide an opportunity for the President's friends in the oil industry to strengthen their opposition.
“The Earth is on a climatic collision course which threatens the lives, livelihoods and homes of millions of people throughout the planet. We sincerely hope that President Bush will take his global responsibilities seriously and act. If he doesn't future generations may not forgive him.”
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
