International Institute for Environment and Development 
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| International Institute for Environment and Development |
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November 01, 2005 |
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Don't write off Kyoto and don't ignore the poor, environment think tank warns Blair IIED is concerned that the modest targets already established under the Kyoto agreement may not be met by the UK and other rich countries, let alone the more radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that will be required when the first commitment period ends in 2012. IIED also believes that rich countries have a responsibility to contribute substantially to the funds set up under the convention to support poorer countries which will suffer most from climate change but have contributed least to the problem. IIED Director Camilla Toulmin said: "How can the G8 talk about making poverty history on the one hand and be tight-fisted with badly needed cash for poorer countries with the other? Climate change is already underway and will further escalate world poverty if we let it. Our governments must start to see and act on the connections before it's too late. The UK government should champion the cause of poorer people and nations by putting serious cash into the UN funds that will help them adapt to climate change and improve their livelihoods. "Ahead of the vital Montreal meeting, we need governments to reaffirm their commitment to the Kyoto agreement and step up the pressure on the United States to sign up. The UN convention is not perfect and of course we should be looking beyond 2012, but one cannot help being suspicious of those who want to write the Kyoto obituary when it is still alive and kicking. If the UK and European Union want to take global leadership on climate change, we must make sure our own house is in order, meet the modest targets already set and plan for more radical action in the future. "We should be deeply suspicious of attempts to suggest that technological development alone is the answer. It is part of the answer, but only a strong, legally-binding international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, forcing the pace and giving poorer countries a fair deal, can tackle this huge global threat." For further information Tony Samphier on +44 208 671 2911 Notes to editors The next United Nations meeting (COP11) to discuss the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change takes place in Montreal from 28 November to 9 December 2005. Copyright © 2005 International Institute for Environment and Development. |
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