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Stark global warning over climate change threat
24 January 2005
Climate change could be irreversible unless urgent action is taken to tackle to cut emissions, the chair of an international task force has warned today.
Stephen Byers, chair of the International Climate Change Task Force, which is due to publish a report tomorrow, warned today that a critical danger point of global warming - beyond which the world would be irretrievably committed to disastrous changes - may be reached within 10 years.
Friends of the Earth called on Tony Blair to urgently review UK Government policies - particularly on transport and energy - to see where urgent steps can be taken cut UK emissions. He should also commit the UK to year-on-year cuts in carbon dioxide.
Tony Blair has promised to put climate change on the international agenda this year. The UK hosts the G8 summit and chairs the EU. But despite UK Government promises to cut carbon dioxide levels, emissions are higher than when Labour came to power in 1997.
So far the EU is the only block of countries to have shown leadership on climate change. During his Presidency of the EU, and chairing of the G8, Tony Blair must support continued European leadership and not be tempted to cut a deal with the US that will undermine the EU and international agreements on tackling global warming.
Friends of the Earth's Director Tony Juniper said:
"This alarming warning must spur the Government into urgent action on climate change. Despite his apparent concerns, the Prime Minister has so far put short term political convenience ahead of desperately needed policies to tackle global warming. This is why UK carbon dioxide levels have risen under Labour. If Tony Blair wants the world to fight climate change, he must lead by example. He must take steps to ensure year-on- year cuts in UK emissions.
"The alarm bells are growing louder. If world leaders fail to take urgent action it will soon be too late."
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
