Archived press release

BASIC countries' environment ministers meeting concludes in South Africa

26 April 2010

Commenting on the conclusion of the meeting of the environment ministers of Brazil, South Africa, India and China - the BASIC countries - to discuss progress on achieving an international agreement to tackle climate change, Friends of the Earth's international climate campaigner Tom Picken said:

"The world's largest developing countries have shown their commitment to achieving strong and fair action to tackle climate change - as well as throwing down the gauntlet to rich countries to stop wriggling out of their legally-binding commitments to cut emissions and provide funds for developing nations.

"The developing countries are right that every country should have their say on any agreement to tackle climate change - a fair process is the only way to achieve a fair outcome.

"Rich countries should acknowledge their responsibility for causing climate change by cutting their emissions first and fastest and providing money for poor countries to develop cleanly.

"A fair and effective climate change agreement can only be achieved through the UN talks - the cosy backroom chats between rich countries, excluding representatives from the world's poorest countries, threaten to derail the whole process."

Friends of the Earth is calling for rich countries to increase their level of ambition to cut their emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020, without carbon offsetting. This is the minimum the science says is required.

The green campaigning charity is also calling on rich countries to reaffirm their commitment to the Kyoto Protocol, under which rich countries accept their responsibility for causing climate change and agree to cut their emissions first and fastest.

Friends of the Earth is also calling on the world's rich countries to recommit to the UN negotiating process, enshrining the principles of democracy and inclusion, rather than pursuing action through alternative forums such as the G20 or the Major Economies Forum.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Friends of the Earth is supporting the campaign for a tax on financial transactions - a Robin Hood Tax - to provide finance for developing countries to develop cleanly and adapt to the effects of climate change. http://robinhoodtax.org.uk

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. 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