Last Updated: Tuesday, 31 October 2006, 00:32 GMT
Climate change fight 'can't wait'
The world cannot afford to wait
before tackling climate change, the UK prime minister has warned.
A report by economist Sir Nicholas Stern suggests that global
warming could shrink the global economy by 20%.
But taking action now would cost just 1% of global gross
domestic product, the 700-page study says.
Tony Blair said the Stern Review showed that scientific
evidence of global warming was "overwhelming" and its
consequences "disastrous".
International response
The review coincides with the release of new data by the
United Nations showing an upward trend in emission of greenhouse
gases - a development for which Sir Nicholas said that rich
countries must shoulder most of the responsibility.
And Chancellor Gordon Brown promised the UK would lead the
international response to tackle climate change.
The BBC's Nick Robinson said that, while the Stern Review did
not recommend specific tax rises, upping the cost of flying -
both people and goods - and driving was on the agenda of all
three main political parties.
Environment Secretary David Miliband said the Queen's Speech
would now feature a climate bill to establish an independent
Carbon Committee to "work with government to reduce emissions
over time and across the economy".
We have the time and knowledge to act but
only if we act internationally, strongly and
urgently
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The report says that without action, up to 200 million people
could become refugees as their homes are hit by drought or
flood.
"Whilst there is much more we need to understand - both in
science and economics - we know enough now to be clear about the
magnitude of the risks, the timescale for action and how to act
effectively," Sir Nicholas said.
"That's why I'm optimistic - having done this review - that
we have the time and knowledge to act. But only if we act
internationally, strongly and urgently."
Mr Blair said the consequences for the planet of inaction
were "literally disastrous".
"This disaster is not set to happen in some science fiction
future many years ahead, but in our lifetime," he said.
"Investment now will pay us back many times in the future,
not just environmentally but economically as well."
"For every £1 invested now we can save £5, or possibly more,
by acting now.
"We can't wait the five years it took to negotiate Kyoto - we
simply don't have the time. We accept we have to go further
(than Kyoto)."
Large risks
Sir Nicholas, a former chief economist of the World Bank,
told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Unless it's international,
we will not make the reductions on the scale which will be
required."
He went on: "What we have shown is the magnitude of these
risks is very large and has to be taken into account in the kind
of investments the world makes today and the consumption
patterns it has."
The Stern Review forecasts that 1% of global gross domestic
product (GDP) must be spent on tackling climate change
immediately.
It warns that if no action is taken:
- Floods from rising sea levels could displace up to 100
million people
Melting glaciers could cause water shortages for 1 in 6
of the world's population
Wildlife will be harmed; at worst up to 40% of species
could become extinct
Droughts may create tens or even hundreds of millions of
"climate refugees"
Clear objectives
The study is the first major contribution to the global
warming debate by an economist, rather than an environmental
scientist.
There is the greatest opportunity of all, the
prize of securing and safeguarding the planet
for our generations to come
Mr Brown, who commissioned the report, has also recruited
former US Vice-President Al Gore as an environment adviser.
"In the 20th century our national economic ambitions were the
twin objectives of achieving stable economic growth and full
employment," Mr Brown said.
"Now in the 21st century our new objectives are clear, they
are threefold: growth, full employment and environmental care."
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He said the green challenge was also an opportunity "for new
markets, for new jobs, new technologies, new exports where
companies, universities and social enterprises in Britain can
lead the world".
"And then there is the greatest opportunity of all, the prize
of securing and safeguarding the planet for our generations to
come."
Mr Brown called for a long-term framework of a worldwide
carbon market that would lead to "a low-carbon global economy".
Among his plans are:
- Reducing European-wide emissions by 30% by 2020, and at
least 60% by 2050
By 2010, having 5% of all UK vehicles running on
biofuels
Creating an independent environmental authority to
work with the government
Establishing trade links with Brazil, Papua New
Guinea and Costa Rica to ensure sustainable forestry
Working with China on clean coal technologies
The review was welcomed by groups including the European
Commission and business group the CBI.
"Provided we act with sufficient speed, we will not have to
make a choice between averting climate change and promoting
growth and investment," said CBI head Richard Lambert.
Pia Hansen, of the European Commission, said the report
"clearly makes a case for action".
"Climate change is not a problem that Europe can afford to
put into the 'too difficult' pile," she said.
"It is not an option to wait and see, and we must act now."
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