20 October 2006
A window of just 10 to 15 years remains to take action on global warming before we pass a "catastrophic tipping point", Tony Blair has said.
In an open, joint letter with his Dutch counterpart Jan Peter Balkenende, the PM tells his fellow European leaders there are "serious consequences" ahead if climate change is not dealt with.
They argue that Europe has the opportunity to lead the world in moving to a low-carbon economy - and that this should help persuade fast-developing nations like China and India to act too.
An integrated EU energy and climate strategy are needed, the two leaders stress. European leaders are meeting today in Finland for an informal summit of the heads of government.
The letter states:
"We have a window of only 10 to 15 years to take the steps we need to avoid crossing catastrophic tipping points.
"These would have serious consequences for our economic growth prospects, the safety of our people and the supply of resources, most notably energy."
They continue:
"A historic political choice faces us. The need to respond to climate change can be seen as a burden. Or it can be seen as a once in a generation opportunity for Europe to mobilise the political will and resources to transform and modernise our energy system."
Mr Blair and Mr Balkenende call on Europe to take specific actions to limit its own emissions, concluding that climate change and energy security must be kept high on the agenda.
delicious
digg
facebook
