Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Miliband casts doubt on climate agreement in Copenhagen
5 November 2009
Commenting on Energy and Climate Change Secreraty Ed Miliband downplaying what could be achieved in Copenhagen, with the possibility of the UN talks in December becoming merely a high level meeting of world leaders discussing a politically binding treaty, Friends of the Earth's International Climate campaigner Asad Rehman said:
"Ed Miliband's gloomy outlook on what can be achieved in Copenhagen could be lifted by the UK committing to 40 per cent cuts in emissions by 2020 without carbon offsetting - breaking the current logjam in negotiations, and protecting the futures of millions of people already living with the effects of climate change.
"We challenge him to show real leadership by reaffirming the UK's commitment to strong, fair and binding cuts under the Kyoto Protocol and reject blatant attempts by rich countries to dodge their legal responsibility to agree ambitious new targets to slash their emissions by downplaying expectations.
"Getting the US on board and agreeing the cold, hard cash that developing countries demand - to ensure they can grow cleanly and adapt to the effects of climate change already putting millions of lives at risk - are vital at Copenhagen."
ENDS
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
Last modified: Nov 2009
