Archived press release

Friends of the Earth International: keep unfair trade out of Bali talks

7 December 2007

World leaders gathering at the UN climate talks in Bali this week must seize the historic opportunity to create a robust international framework to tackle climate change and safeguard the future for generations to come, Friends of the Earth urged today.

As the Bali conference moves into its final week, the environmental campaigning group said it is vital that ministers agree a clear roadmap to move towards a global low carbon economy and a post-Kyoto international agreement on climate change. Hilary Benn, the UK Environment Minister, is one of many international politicians who will be arriving in Bali for the closing phase of the talks next week.

This Saturday citizens around the world will demonstrate global support for a productive outcome from the talks by staging simultaneous marches in over 50 cities. Friends of the Earth local group volunteers and supporters from across the UK will be joining marches in London, Belfast, Cardiff and Glasgow. The London march, which has been organised by Campaign Against Climate Change, will also deliver a letter to Gordon Brown, on the importance of a strong UK climate change law.

Friends of the Earth Director Tony Juniper said: "All across the world people are calling on national leaders to take tough and urgent action to combat climate change. It's essential that our politicians show the leadership required and ensure that the climate talks in Bali speed the world towards a low-carbon future and ensure the long-term security of generations to come.

"Two vital elements are at stake here: the success of the international talks currently taking place in Bali and the delivery of a strong, effective, UK climate change law.

Tony Juniper continued: "The UK can set an example to countries meeting in Bali by introducing a strong climate change law that cuts UK emissions by 3 percent a year and includes emissions from international aviation and shipping, and annual milestones to ensure that our targets are actually met. By taking a lead at home the UK will have the credibility to push other countries to act."

The London march will start near the House of Commons at 12 midday on Saturday, with its first stop at 10 Downing Street before it ends at the American embassy in Grosvenor Square, to highlight the importance of the US signing up to the next international climate change agreement.

Through The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth has successfully led the campaign for a UK climate change bill, which will be the first national legislation anywhere in the world to set legally-binding targets for cutting carbon dioxide emissions. But the environmental charity is urging the Government to make it even stronger, to ensure that Britain plays a leading role in developing a low-carbon future.

Friends of the Earth is calling for the law to be strengthened to ensure a cut of at least 80 per cent in emissions by 2050, include pollution from Britain's share of international aviation and shipping, and set annual milestones to ensure that we stay on track. The draft climate change bill is currently being debated in Parliament and could be law within six months.

Notes

Friends of the Earth's guide to the climate talks in Bali

Last year almost two thirds of all MPs (412) signed Early Day Motion 178 calling for new climate change legislation "so that annual cuts in carbon dioxide emissions of three per cent can be delivered". As a result, the government announced a Climate Change Bill in the Queen's Speech in November 2006 and published the first draft on 13 March 2007.

The law is important but it needs beefing up if the UK is going to play its part in tackling climate change. The Government won't make a decision on whether to strengthen the law for another two years. Friends of the Earth wants a strong law introduced straight away. This would include:

• Bigger cuts: The Government proposes 60 percent cuts of carbon dioxide by 2050. There is wide scientific recognition there needs to be reductions of at least 80 percent.

• Annual targets: The Government wants five-year milestones for reducing carbon dioxide. We want shorter, annual targets - to hold Parliament to account now and in the future.

• Aviation and shipping: International flights and shipping emissions are excluded. We need these to be included as they are the fastest growing source of carbon dioxide emissions.

Further info at: www.thebigask.com

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