Archived press release

2011 will be 10th warmest year on record, say scientists

29 November 2011

***Friends of the Earth spokespeople in London and Durban available for interview***

 Commenting on figures released by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) today (Tuesday 29 November 2011), which show that 2011 is set to be the 10^th warmest year worldwide on record, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

 "Many enjoyed this year's mild British autumn - but record temperatures are devastating news for people in poorer countries whose lives and livelihoods are under threat from catastrophic climate change.

 "Greenhouse gas emissions are the problem - we need rich countries meeting now in Durban to commit to fast and legally-binding cuts in their emissions, and finance to help poor countries grow cleanly.

 "Switching from fossil fuels to clean energy and energy saving could create new jobs in the UK and shield us from rising fuel bills - Ministers must take the lead for the sake of our planet and our pockets."

 Notes to editors

 1.       According to the WMO, which bases its figures on data from the UK and the US, the 13 warmest years on record have all occurred in the 15 years from 1997 to 2011. For more information see http://www.wmo.int/pages/mediacentre/press_releases/pr_935_en.html.

 2.       UK climate researchers said 2011 was near the top of records dating back to 1850 despite the La Nina weather system in the Pacific which tends to cause lower temperatures across the world. Data from the UK Met Office and the University of East Anglia shows that average global temperatures for January to October 2011 was 14.36˚C; 0.36˚C above the 1961-1990 average of 14˚C. For more information see http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hz4oWRSDq--Nfto3fo_vhlDmb42Q?docId=N0136491322535501580A.

 3.       In November 2011 the WMO released a report saying greenhouse gases are at their highest-ever level, and are increasing faster than ever http://www.wmo.int/pages/mediacentre/press_releases/pr_934_en.html.

 4.       In November 2011 a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) compiled by 220 scientists warned extreme weather will strike as climate change takes hold http://www.ipcc-wg2.gov/SREX/.

 5.       In November 2011 the International Energy Agency warned over the urgent need to switch to clean power http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/iea_warning_09112011.html

 6.       Friends of the Earth is asking ordinary people to go to its website and ask Tomasz Chruszczow, Europe's lead negotiator in Durban, to make sure the EU unconditionally supports a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol; agrees to a legally-binding reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 40 per cent by 2020, without carbon offsetting; and closes current loopholes, like carbon trading, which allow the EU to keep polluting. For more information see http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/eu_durban_kyoto_33447.html

 7.       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.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust