Wallström: climate talks must go on

Date: 15/03/01

By Laurence Frost

President George W. Bush's decision to abandon plans to begin reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions makes it much less likely that the US will meet its international global warming commitments, European green groups are warning.

EU environment chief Margot Wallström issued a terse statement yesterday (14 March) saying she was "concerned" that Bush had indicated CO2 would be dropped from upcoming US legislation to reduce pollutants - reversing an election pledge.

The Commissioner said the EU and US should press ahead with 'COP6' climate change talks in July, regardless.

That view was echoed by the Swedish presidency, which expressed "deep concern" over Bush's U-turn, revealed in a letter to a senator.

The Swedes pointed out that only last week EU environment ministers reaffirmed their commitment to reaching an agreement at the resumed COP6 talks.

Although welcoming Bush's statement in his letter that he plans to "work with friends and allies to develop a variety of creative ways to address global change", the presidency stressed that cooperation must be based on a legally-binding document.

"The Kyoto Protocol has been signed by all the major countries in the world - we have to build on what has been achieved," it added.

Bush's move has increased scepticism among environmentalists, who fear he has missed an opportunity to cut emissions.

"Of course this doesn't mean CO2 reductions can't be addressed in separate measures," said Jason Anderson of Climate Network Europe.

"But the multi-pollutant bill was already well established and had a lot of support. If you have to start something from the ground up it means you're fighting every step of the way on the climate issue, in a very hostile environment."

President George W. Bush's decision to abandon plans to begin reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions makes it much less likely that the US will meet its international global warming commitments, European green groups are warning.