Archived press release

Obama speech in Copenhagen

18 December 2009

Commenting on the speech of the US President Barack Obama to world leaders at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen, Andy Atkins, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, said:

"The President is right that the endeavours in Copenhagen will go down in history - but unless we see a massive shift in the US position, it will be for all the wrong reasons.

"If the President's idea of action is to cut US emissions by 4 per cent on 1990 levels then we're heading for climate catastrophe. Barack Obama should have taken the opportunity to up his proposed cuts to at least 40 per cent by 2020 and ditch carbon offsetting.

"Obama has deeply disappointed not just those listening to his speech at the UN talks - he has disappointed the whole world."


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 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