Archived press release

Response to Tony Blair's climate change article in the Observer

1 January 2005

The Observer this week carries and article from British Prime Minister Tony Blair on climate change. Friends of the Earth welcomes the Prime Minister's continuing efforts to elevate climate change on the political agenda, but is very concerned that words are still not matched by sufficient action to deal with the threat.

In reaction to the article Friends of the Earth's Executive Director, Tony Juniper, said:

"Tony Blair is genuinely concerned by the threat posed by climate change and he has done well in putting the issue in the public eye. And now the public is quite rightly asking what is being done. The answer, however, is precious little.

"Almost the only solution presented in detail today is in relation to greener road fuels. If done well this is fine, but the benefit will be very limited. It would reduce UK carbon dioxide emissions by at most 1.5%, and in any event will only meet an existing EU target.

"Our last estimate shows that emissions are up 5.5% since Labour took office. So even if this came in tomorrow, which it won't, then emissions would still be up 4%. Since Labour came to office in 1997 motoring has become cheaper and public transport more expensive. No wonder traffic levels are up 11%. Biofuels are thus going against a trend of more traffic, and this will cancel out benefits for the climate arising from greener fuels.

"Tony Blair talks in a compelling way about the problems and challenges of climate change - but says Europe has 'found it hard' to cut emissions. But whose fault is that? UK policy is obsessed with promoting economic growth and as a result the environment continues to suffer. But if we don't look after the environment, then the economy will be the biggest casualty. We need joined up thinking, but we are still not getting it."

The Prime Minister also talks about a follow up to the G8 discussions on climate change.

As part of this process, a climate change dialogue will be held in London on Tuesday. In reaction to the Prime Minister's remarks in the Observer, Tony Juniper said:

"It is very good that Tony Blair is using Tuesday's inter-governmental meeting to encourage countries to work together to tackle climate change, but surely the first step is to put our own house in order. Sadly our government is failing to do this. It is essential that we keep and meet the manifesto target, which has now been repeated three times, to cut emissions by 20% by 2010 compared with 1990 levels. This remains achievable, but any weakening of this commitment would send dangerous signals to the international community. The UK must now set out how that 20 per cent target will be met. If we can do that then perhaps other countries will believe Tony Blair is serious and be more willing to sign up to real reduction targets themselves."

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