COMMONWEALTH STATES WILL SINK WITHOUT TRACE: GREENPEACE CALLS ON HEADS OF GOVERNMENT TO TAKE LEAD IN CLIMATE PROTECTION

23 October 1997

Low-lying island states already facing extinction because of rising sea levels triggered by dangerous climate change, are being betrayed by rich industrialised nations like the US, Australia and Japan slow to commit to realistic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, says Greenpeace UK.

Greenpeace has slammed Tony Blair, UK Prime Minister, for not being critical of President Clinton over his failure to keep promises to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions in his announcement yesterday.

"The UK Government is backsliding in the face of bullying from the US,"

said Greenpeace campaigner, Robbie Kelman. " Tony Blair should defend the European proposal for emissions cuts and condemn the US position. If the US proposal for zero % cuts is adopted in Kyoto the agreement would have failed us all."

Now Greenpeace is calling on Commonwealth Heads of Government, gathering for a special summit in Edinburgh (CHOGM), - and particularly the UK - to show leadership by rejecting the US position and pushing for major cuts in emissions from fossil fuels in the next five years.

"It sounds like the plot of a horror movie - but this is for real," said Kelman. "Catastrophic climate change, with droughts, floods and sea level rises, means that low-lying Commonwealth member states could disappear under water. Countries like Kiribati, Tuvalu and European tourist destinations like the Maldives will all be wiped off the map if urgent action is not take to reduce emissions from fossil fuels."

Australia has so far ignored the plight of its Pacific island neighbours and insists on the right to increase its emissions from fossil fuels.

Greenpeace plan a demonstration around the Edinburgh CHOGM meeting where protestors will take the message to Commonwealth leaders that "Australia couldn't give a XXXX about climate change."

In Australia , as well as the US, a fossil fuel lobby has poured money into swaying politicians away from making commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at Kyoto. Industry groups have funded a 13 million dollar advertising campaign in the US. Greenpeace has just released a report this week that reveals the oil and gas industry have contributed 50 million dollars into the coffers of both US political parties.

"Australia is becoming an international pariah because of its irresponsible behaviour at the climate talks. They are bringing shame on Australia and its people," said Kelman.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Greenpeace Press Office on 0171 865 8257
or 0171 865 8285/ or pager 01399 1133 (No.787076)
Edinburgh demonstration contact: Robbie Kelman on (mobile) 0410 169 637.

Notes to Correspondents

  1. The Greenpeace Climate Change protest in Edinburgh focuses on highlighting opposition to the Australian refusal to cut emissions at all. Three Australians and a seven foot kangaroo, will take their message to CHOGM on October 24. There will be hourly picture opportunities starting at 8am at Commonwealth Village, West End of Princess Street Gardens, Edinburgh; 9am Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Morrison St, Edinburgh; 10 am Edinburgh Castle, High Street entrance; 12 noon Assembly Rooms, George Street; 1.45 pm Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

  2. Stills and footage are available of global Climate Change protests, including stills from the Edinburgh protest; and Climate Change impacts recorded during the year by Greenpeace. Contact the Greenpeace Press Office.

  3. Greenpeace argues that current emissions proposals do not go far enough. Negotiators need to assess eco-limits for the overall burning of fossil fuels. This is outlined in a newly published Greenpeace report: "Fossil Fuels and Climate Protection: The Carbon Logic" being circulated among top scientists and politicians in the run-up to Kyoto.

  4. Greenpeace has been protesting against new oil exploration in the Atlantic Frontier and Arctic this summer to stop the expansion of fossil fuel reserves. Science indicates that if all known reserves were burnt it would lead to inevitable and dangerous climate change.

  5. A series of world protests involving Greenpeace activists in Spain, Japan, Australia, Brazil and the US culminated yesterday in a demonstration in Bonn as international negotiators began the last significant climate talks to be held before Kyoto.

  6. Greenpeace has backed the Alliance of Small Island States in its call for a 20% reduction of CO2 emissions by 2005. Europe is calling for a 15% reduction by 2010.