Archived press release

Demo at us embassy over climate change: don't be a thanksgiving turkey mr clinton!

27 November 1997

PICTURE OPPORTUNITY

10am prompt, Thursday 27 November 1997

Environmentalists will stage a mock 'Thanksgiving Dinner' outside the US Embassy(Grosvenor Sq, W1A). The dinner will feature 'The Clintons' and a roasting planet at a table on the pavement outside the Embassy. Placard-carrying protesters will urge the President to take firm action to combat climate change.

Friends of the Earth campaigners will assemble outside the US Embassy on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday 27 November) to protest at President Clinton's failure to tackle global climate change. The US position threatens to undermine an effective agreement at the UN Climate Summit negotiations, which begin on Monday in Kyoto, Japan [1-10 December].

Mr Clinton recently announced [on 22 October] that the US was only prepared to stabilise greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels between 2008-2012 following intense pressure from fossil fuel companies in the States. This contrasts with the European Union which has agreed a 15 per cent cut by 2010 (based on 1990 levels) and the UK which has said it will cut CO2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2010.

Tony Juniper of Friends of the Earth International said:
“The United States' position on climate change is a disgrace. That nation above all should be showing world leadership on this vital issue, not bowing to the vested interest of the oil and car companies like Exxon, Ford, General Motors and Texaco. While the President is sitting down to his Thanksgiving dinner, the planet is on the verge of roasting”.

The US, 4 per cent of the World's population, is responsible for 25 per cent of the world's CO2 emissions. It emits 8 per cent more greenhouse gases than in 1990 - predicted to rise to 17 per cent by 2000.

FOE will also hand in over 25,000 postcards from concerned individuals calling on President Clinton to show international leadership and take urgent action.

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