Archived press release

EU must lead world to new climate deal

28 November 2011

***Friends of the Earth spokespeople in London and Durban available for interview***
***Local filming opportunity: Case studies of community-based renewable energy projects in South Africa available on request***

The lives and livelihoods of millions of people around the world will be devastated by climate change within our lifetimes unless the EU leads the world to a legally-binding agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Friends of the Earth is warning today (Monday 28 November 2011), as the latest round of UN climate negotiations gets underway in Durban, South Africa.

The green campaigning charity is calling on the Government to ensure the EU plays a leading role in this year's negotiations by committing unconditionally to ambitious, legally-binding cuts in greenhouse gas emissions under an extension of the Kyoto Protocol in Durban. This is our best hope of securing the international action needed to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5ºC, widely recognised by scientists as tipping point for dangerous climate change.

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

"We don't have time for Groundhog Day talks - we urgently need a comprehensive, legally-binding agreement to cut global emissions, by 2015 at the latest.

"The eyes of the world are on negotiators in South Africa - millions of people are already suffering the devastating impacts of climate change and many more lives are under threat.

"The EU must lead the way by giving unconditional backing under the Kyoto Protocol to emissions cuts needed to prevent a dangerous rise in global temperatures - without dodgy offsetting overseas.

"Rich countries must provide more public finance to help poor nations tackle climate change - Britain should agree to source funds through a tax on financial transactions, instead of relying on risky carbon markets."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.            Friends of the Earth welcomed a speech by Chris Huhne on Thursday, setting out the UK's position ahead of the climate talks  

2.            In November 2011 the United Nations weather agency released a report saying greenhouse gases are at their highest-ever level, and are increasing faster than ever.  

3.            In November 2011 a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) compiled by 220 scientists warned extreme weather will strike as climate change takes hold.

4.            In November 2011 the International Energy Agency warned over the urgent need to switch to clean power

5.            Friends of the Earth is asking ordinary people to go to ask Tomasz Chruszczow, Europe's lead negotiator in Durban, to make sure the EU unconditionally supports a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol; agrees to a legally-binding reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 40 per cent by 2020, without carbon offsetting; and closes current loopholes, like carbon trading, which allow the EU to keep polluting.

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