Archived press release

International scientists warn of climate threat.but UK still failing to cut emissions

1 February 2005

A major international scientific conference in Exeter (1-3 February) on the threats posed by climate change, organised by the UK Government, has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth [1]. But the environmental campaign group is warning Tony Blair that he must do more to cut UK emissions if he wants to show world leadership in tackling the problem.

Carbon dioxide levels have not fallen in the UK since Labour came to power in 1997.

Scientists from across the world will attend the conference, `Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change', at the renowned Hadley Centre (part of the UK metrological Office) in Exeter. The conference, which will be attended by Environment Minister Margaret Beckett, will explore "What level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is self-evidently too much?" and "What options do we have to avoid such levels?"

Tony Blair, who describes the threat of climate change as "so far-reaching in its impact and irreversible in its destructive power, that is alters radically human existence" [2], has promised to put it at the top of the international agenda this year during the UK chairing of the G8 and presidency of the EU. Last week he called for international action on global warming at the opening of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The UK Government has also pledged to cut carbon dioxide levels to 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010. But, UK emissions of carbon dioxide currently stand at only 7.5 per cent below the 1990 baseline - the same as when Labour camp to power in 1997.

Friends of the Earth Director, Tony Juniper said:

"There is overwhelming scientific evidence of the terrible threat posed by climate change. While its important to find out more about the risks, major cuts in emissions cannot be delayed any longer. Tony Blair wants to lead the world in the battle against global warming. But unless the UK makes sustained and significant cuts in its own emissions, the Prime Minister's credibility and effectiveness on this issue will be seriously undermined."

Notes

1. www.stabilisation2005.com/index.html

2. www.number-10.gov.uk/output/page6333.asp

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust