Archived press release

Brokenhagen - climate summit ends in failure

19 December 2009

The world's wealthiest nations, led by the US, are using strong-arm tactics to try to force poor countries into signing onto the Copenhagen Accord, which will undermine the UN climate process, Friends of the Earth said today (Saturday 19 December 2009).

The accusation comes as the climate agreement put forward by US President Barack Obama failed to be adopted by delegates at the United Nations climate conference. Instead, they voted merely to "note" the agreement's existence, giving it no force whatsoever.

But now rich countries, led by the United States, are pressuring poorer nations to sign onto the accord by threatening them with the loss of their share of the inadequate $100 billion that wealthy nations have identified as compensation for the climate impacts they have caused. But by signing onto the accord, poor countries risk sidelining the legitimate and democratic negotiation process taking place under the UN.

Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

"The US appears to be more interested in saving face than saving the planet.

"They are now using strong-arm tactics to bully the developing world into backing a plan that completely undermines the existing UN process and does little to diminish the growing threat of catastrophic climate change. This is completely unacceptable.

"This summit has been a complete failure - the climate accord should be sent to the recycling bin.

"The developed world, which has done most to create this crisis, must face up to its global responsibilites with a strong and fair agreement within months.

"Time is running out - we need bold action not more short-sighted, short-term self-interest."

Notes to Editors:

1. Friends of the Earth believes that a strong and fair agreement on climate change would include measures which would see:

· Rich countries to fulfill 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
· New, public money for rich countries, under the authority of the UN, to adequately fund developing country adaptation and mitigation
· 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 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'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