Archived press release

Rich countries must 'pull out all the stops at Copenhagen'

6 December 2009

Rich countries must pull out all the stops to ensure the world reaches a strong and fair agreement to tackle climate change, says Friends of the Earth in advance of the vital UN climate conference in Copenhagen beginning next week (7 - 18 December 2009).

Negotiators at the Copenhagen talks are expected to agree to binding reductions in greenhouse gas emissions under the second phase of the UN Kyoto Protocol, which starts in 2013. This Protocol is the only treaty that enforces emissions reductions on industrialised, developed countries.

Greenhouse gas emissions are the main cause of climate change, and impoverished people and communities - who have contributed least to these emissions - are those most affected by climate change, according to the UN.

Friends of the Earth is demanding that the Government changes its approach to climate change with its Demand Climate Change campaign. The green campaign group is asking everyone to sign its international petition to world leaders for a strong and fair climate deal at http://www.demandclimatechange.org/.

At the 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.

Andy Atkins, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, said: "As the Copenhagen talks kick off, the pressure is on rich nations to do what's fair and right for the planet and the billions of people that live on it.

"Rich countries must commit to legally binding targets to slash their emissions, drop their support for a global carbon market and put new public money on the table for developing countries.

"The time for action is now - we need bold and decisive leadership from our leaders so that in two weeks we have a strong, fair agreement to tackle climate change."

Friends of the Earth is also mobilising thousands of activists during the talks to show world leaders the strength of demands for them to reach strong and fair agreement to tackle climate change. The green campaign group is organising the Flood for Climate Justice on 12 December, which will see thousands of people flood the streets of Copenhagen - including former Friends and Cold Feet actress Helen Baxendale.

Chair of Friends of the Earth International, Nnimmo Bassey, from Nigeria, said: "Rich countries are responsible for the vast majority of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere today and must immediately commit to steep and legally binding reductions of their emissions.

"These reductions must take place without offsetting and without other false solutions such as agrofuels or nuclear energy."

Notes to Editors:

1. Helen Baxendale is available for interview, in London from 7-10 December, and in Copenhagen 12-13 December. She can be contacted through the Friends of the Earth press office - please call Jenny Collins on 020 7566 4093.

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 http://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