Archived press release

Brown must kick-start talks in Copenhagen

14 December 2009

Commenting on Gordon Brown's early arrival at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

"Gordon Brown's early arrival at Copenhagen could be significant - but he must bring a new approach with him if he wants to help secure a strong and fair climate agreement.

"The Prime Minister could help kick-start the talks if he committed to UK emissions cuts of 40 per cent by 2020, abandoned carbon offsetting and put much more money on the table to enable poorer nations to tackle global warming.

"The coming week in Copenhagen is crucial - Gordon Brown has a historic opportunity to help secure the long-term safety of the planet by showing bold global leadership."

Notes to Editors:

1.   At the Copenhagen talks, Friends of the Earth is calling for:
•         Rich countries to fulfil their legal and moral responsibility cut
emissions first and fast - and pledge to cut emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020 at home without offsetting
•        The leaders of rich countries to abandon their promotion of carbon
trading - an irresponsible and dangerous gamble which will do nothing to protect us from catastrophic climate change;
•         Proposals to be scrapped which would allow rich countries to buy
chunks of forest whilst continuing to pump out emissions: an approach which won't solve climate change or halt deforestation.

2. Friends of the Earth International is also one of the key organisers of the
alternative people's summit known as the Klimaforum with allied organisations such as La Via Campesina and the World March of Women. Thousands of voices demanding climate justice will also be presented in a 'climate capsule' exhibition at the Klimaforum and Bella Centre.

3. Friends of the Earth is part of Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, the UK's largest group of people dedicated to action on climate change and limiting its impact on the world's poorest communities. The coalition's supporter base of more than 11 million people spans over 100 organisations, from environment and development charities to unions, faith, community and women's groups. Together we demand practical action by the UK to keep temperatures well below an average 2 degree rise. For further information visit www.stopclimatechaos.org

If you are a journalist seeking press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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Archived press release

Brown must kick-start talks in Copenhagen

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