Options to tackle climate change

MEDIA ADVISORY

Friends of the Earth International

4 may 2007
CLIMATE CHANGE: OPTIONS TO TACKLE IT ARE AFFORDABLE, GOVERNMENTS AGREE

BANGKOK, THAILAND, 4 May 2007 – The world’s leading scientists say governments can tackle climate change and that the solutions are affordable and available, in a key United Nations (UN) report published here today.

The report assesses many technologies that could be used to cut emissions of greenhouse gases, but does not make recommendations about which should be used.

This report is the third in a series is part of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report.

Friends of the Earth’s international climate campaigner, Catherine Pearce, said:

“Here we have further clear evidence that should compel governments to immediate action. Decisions taken now will have huge implications for the long-term stabilisation of our climate. This report shows that many affordable technologies and effective policies are readily available to tackle climate change.

“By introducing measures and investment that will stimulate sustainable renewable energies and energy efficiency, governments can help to achieve cuts in global emissions by 50% by 2050. Without this, we face devastating consequences. Beyond their contribution to reducing emissions, sustainable renewable energies are known to have other positive impacts, such as helping to alleviate poverty, promoting energy security and reduce toxic pollution.

“This report recognises the need for action at the international level, with all countries playing their part. Governments must use the UN talks in Bali this December to begin negotiations on a more effective and stronger second round of Kyoto commitments and have a timetable for completion by the end of 2009.”

Friends of the Earth International warns that tackling climate change goes far beyond cherry picking one technology over another. Instead, a range of mitigation efforts are required, including changes in lifestyle and unsustainable consumption patterns in the rich, developed countries. We particularly welcome the recognition in this report that lifestyle changes can provide opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable renewable energy technologies are proven, can reduce emissions and remove dependency from fossil fuels. Governments around the world need to promote their development, through policies and the kind of investment which has previously been enjoyed by nuclear and fossil fuels.

NOTES TO EDITORS

This report is the third of a series produced by the United Nations IPCC’s Fourth Assessment report. It has taken six years to compile, draws on research by 2,500 scientists from over 130 countries and should shock the world into taking urgent action to reduce global emissions.

This third report is based on new literature on the scientific, technological, environmental, economic aspects of mitigation of climate change. It was released today, after a week of governments discussing the text of the summary line by line.

The first part, which focused on science, was published on 2 February 2007 in Paris. The second part, published on 6 April in Brussels, focused on impacts and showed that the world’s poorest people will be hit hardest by the effects of climate change.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

In Bangkok, Thailand (Apr 30-May 4): Catherine Pearce, Friends of the Earth International Climate campaigner. Tel: +44 7811 283 641 (UK mobile)

In London, UK: Kath Stipala, Media Officer, Friends of the Earth Media line (24 hrs) +44-20 7566 1649 or email media@foe.uk