Press release
2010 is 'second warmest year on record'
20 January 2011
Commenting on provisional global temperature figures for 2010 released today by the Met Office and the University of East Anglia, which show the year to be the second warmest on record, Friends of the Earth's Policy and Campaigns Director Craig Bennett said:
"We may have been trudging through deep snow last month, but these figures show there's an enormous difference between climate and weather - despite the efforts of some to claim that global warming is a myth.
"Experts say climate change will increase extreme weather events, and from Brisbane to Brazil there have been numerous weather-related disasters in recent weeks.
"The economic consequences of failing to deal with climate change will dwarf our current financial difficulties.
"We can't afford to gamble with the long-term future of the planet - those nations that have done most to cause this problem must now take a lead in tackling it."
Notes to editors:
1. Met office press release:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/archive/2011/2010-global-temperature
2. Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. More than 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk.
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: Jan 2011
