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UNEP says emissions pledges not ambitious enough
23 November 2010
Commenting on new figures from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) which show that current emissions pledges on the table in the run-up to the next round of UN climate talks in Cancun, Mexico, will be inadequate to avert dangerous climate change, Friends of the Earth's International Climate campaigner Asad Rehman said:
"These figures show yet again that we need a strong and fair international agreement to tackle climate change which is led by science - not trailing behind it.
"The Copenhagen Accord's reliance on countries making voluntary pledges to cut emissions will drag action on climate change down to the lowest common denominator.
"Yet whilst rich countries are dragging their feet, millions of people in places like Pakistan and Niger are already feeling the impacts of climate change - impacts which will only intensify if rich countries don't cut their emissions by a big enough margin.
"We already have a way of ensuring rich countries cut their emissions first and by the level required - after all, they've pumped most emissions into the atmosphere - and that's the Kyoto Protocol.
"The EU was a world leader in tackling climate change and must find the political will to become one again - and set an example to other rich countries through recommitting to the Kyoto Protocol and cutting its emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020 without carbon offsetting."
Notes to editors:
1. The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be meeting in Cancun, Mexico, from 29 to 10 December 2010.
2. 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. Over 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk
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 2010
