Speaking in advance of the latest round of UN climate talks in Bonn, beginning next week (Monday, 2 August 2010), Friends of the Earth’s Head of Climate Change, Mike Childs, said:

 “After the last round of talks in Bonn back in June, the future of the Kyoto Protocol – which commits rich countries to legally-binding cuts in emissions – is in the balance because of US attempts to weaken the framework already in place to tackle climate change internationally. 

“At the same time as US attempts to undermine the Kyoto Protocol, we are also seeing a race to the bottom by countries like Russia, Australia and Japan to put the lowest possible voluntary pledges on the table.

“However, stronger proposals for providing funding for developing countries are welcome – rich countries must demonstrate their commitment to strong and fair action on tackling climate change by supporting them.

 “The UK must reiterate its support for the Kyoto Protocol as a central building block for the negotiations moving forward, and push the EU to demonstrate real international leadership - upping own cuts to at least 40 per cent by 2020, without resorting to dodgy tactics like carbon offsetting.

“This action would finally move the EU out of the shadow of the US and give real momentum to the talks in advance of the next UN climate summit in Cancun, by showing that stronger action by those most responsible is possible.”

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. For further information visit www.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