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BT joins global G8 call
Friday June 20th 2008. Posted: 16:20
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The chief executives want a goal of halving global emissions by 2050
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BT is among a coalition of 100 leading companies which has set out a blueprint for tackling climate change and handed it to Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda ahead of next month’s G8 summit in Japan.
Through the World Economic Forum, the chief executives of the companies concerned are arguing that the world's developed countries should take the lead in the battle against global warming and seek consensus on a long-term goal of at least halving global emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. They also say that all major economies - including developing countries - should be included in the post-Kyoto deal, with richer countries committing to deeper and earlier emissions reduction. Their recommendations set out practical ideas for the design and the key elements of a flexible but results-oriented framework in which there is participation by all major emitting countries. The signatories represent a cross-section of the world economy. The document was delivered today (Friday) to the Prime Minister by Professor Klaus Schwab, chairman and founder of the World Economic Forum. He said it has taken 16 months and an international effort to prepare. BT chief executive Ian Livingston says in a message within the document: “BT recognises the critical importance of leadership from the G8 in tackling climate change. Governments, business and citizens need to act urgently and in concert to meet this challenge. We are determined to play our part and support moves that will move us all towards a low-carbon economy.” Earlier this month BT announced it will cut its carbon emissions intensity by 80 per cent across the globe by 2020, setting one of the most aggressive corporate carbon reduction targets worldwide. The document from the chief executives states: “Addressing climate change will require clear and honest communication as to the scale of the challenge we all face. Strong leadership from all governments, particularly those of the major economies, will be essential. Nothing less than a rapid and fundamental strategy to reach a low-carbon world economy is needed. “It is fair that rich countries should take the lead and demonstrate strong cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, but those countries who are currently developing fast will not be able to avoid their future responsibilities. Emissions will have to fall very strongly in all countries by 2050 if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. “We are committed to addressing climate change and we are already undertaking many emission reduction strategies in our own companies. We also applaud and support the Bali action plan and its work programme to negotiate a new international climate policy framework to succeed the Kyoto Protocol. “We stand ready and willing to work immediately with governments to help this succeed. We want to ensure that a new framework to address climate change is in place by 2010. This will enable us to accelerate the required investments and emission reductions strategies from business as soon as possible.”
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Last updated:
11:55