Archived press release

UK must take the lead at UN climate talks

10 December 2008

The UK government is being urged by Friends of the Earth to show international leadership and kick-start stalling UN climate negotiations by unilaterally pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2020. Ed Miliband, the UK's climate change minister, is due to arrive at the talks in Poznan, Poland later today (Wednesday 10 December).

Friends of the Earth Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

"Bold international leadership is needed if the world is to agree a strong global climate deal and avoid catastrophic global warming."

"Ed Miliband must try and kick-start these crucial talks by announcing that the UK will cut its own emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020 - the action scientists say is required by industrialised nations to avoid catastrophic climate change."

"These cuts must be made at home - not by buying chunks of overseas forests to offset our emissions."

"Mr Miliband must also show that the UK is willing to put cash on the table - to support poorer countries to build green sustainable economies and cope with the storms, floods, famines and droughts they face due to climate change."

The UN climate conference in Poznan is a stepping stone towards a crucial new international climate deal due to be finalised in Copenhagen next December. But until now the talks have moved forward at snail's pace - partly because the EU is knee deep in parallel negotiations in Brussels on its own climate and energy plans.

Climate change experts warn that industrialised nations must cut their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020 if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change. Earlier this month the UK Committee on Climate Change - which advises the UK on how to meet its legally-binding target for an 80 per cent cut in emissions by 2050 - recommended that UK emissions should be cut by 42 per cent by 2020, provided an international agreement is reached.

Notes:

1. The issue of financing climate change action in poorer countries has blocked progress at the climate talks in Poland - with growing frustrations amongst developing countries as industrialised countries dodge the issue of how much money they are willing to provide. The EU will only agree its position in Spring 2009.
2. Executive Director Andy Atkins and International Climate Campaigner Tom Picken are available for interview at the UN climate change conference in Poznan, Poland. Climate and Energy Campaigner Robin Webster is available for interview in London.
3. A detailed media briefing about the UN climate conference is available at: www.foe.co.uk/resource/media_briefing/un_climate_talks_poland.pdf
4. Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. We campaign on a range of issues including climate change, biodiversity, waste, transport and food. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk/

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust