Climate talks: Scotland brings hope as talks become tense
14 December 2009
Rich countries should follow Scotland’s lead and help the talks from stalling – WWF Scotland
Rich countries should follow Scotland’s lead, by supporting big cuts in climate emissions, to help prevent the climate talks in Copenhagen from stalling again, environmentalists said today (Monday 14 December).
WWF Scotland made the call following a temporary walkout by the G77 group led by African countries, over accusations that richer countries were seeking to dodge their obligations to cut carbon emissions.
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond is now in Copenhagen to join the Govenor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger at a Climate Group event on Tuesday before signing a joint-statement with The Maldives President, Mohamed Nasheed.
Dr Richard Dixon Director of WWF Scotland said:
“If we are to prevent these talks from stalling again then we urgently need rich nations to follow Scotland’s lead and back strong, legally-binding reductions in climate emissions. We hope Gordon Brown’s planned early arrival at the talks will help spur countries to take the action needed. Likewise, with Alex Salmond now in Copenhagen, we hope the message about Scotland’s world-leading climate legisation can bring hope and show others what is possible.
“The walkout by developing nations serves to highlight how tense these talks are becoming and how determined poorer countries are about ensuring richer nations agree to a fair and ambitious deal. The strong Scottish presence in Copenhagen serves as a reminder to those present that setting tough targets is possible and workable.”
Notes to Editors
[1] The Climate Group http://www.theclimategroup.org/
[2] Maldives Partnership http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2009/12/11111431
[3] Dr Richard Dixon is in Copenhagen and available for interview. Keep up to date with what is happening during the UN Climate Change Talks in Copenhagen by checking out our WWF Scotland Diary http://www.scotsman.com/copenhagen-climate-summit-blog
[4] WWF Scotland is part of Stop Climate Chaos, an alliance of development, environment and civil society groups aiming for tougher action to reduce emissions - http://stopclimatechaosscotland.org
