Arnie tells Bush to face up to global warming
02/07/2005 - 20:04:36
breakingnews.ie
The Republican governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, today sent a robust message to US President George Bush to face up to the reality of global warming.
Climate change is at the top of the agenda for next week’s G8 summit in Gleneagles, but reports suggest that Mr Bush is blocking a deal on action to tackle it, with some commentators even predicting the other seven nations may agree a statement excluding the US rather than leave Scotland without an accord.
Leaked drafts of the proposed communique on climate change appear to suggest that Washington is unwilling even to sign up to a document which states that global warming is occurring or that human activity is responsible for it.
Without mentioning his president by name, Mr Schwarzenegger used an article in tomorrow’s Independent on Sunday to send a clear message of his disagreement with Mr Bush’s stance.
“The debate is over,” wrote the Governor of the US’s largest and most economically powerful state.
“We know the science. We see the threat posed by changes in our climate. And we know the time for action is now.”
Schwarzenegger pointedly called on “governments everywhere” to join action to combat climate change.
And he insisted – in contradiction to Mr Bush’s stated position – that such action will boost, rather than damage, the US economy.
He added: “Global warming threatens California’s water supply, public health, agriculture, coastlines and forests – our entire economy and way of life.
“We have no choice but to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Mr Schwarzenegger highlighted California’s development of hydrogen fuel technology and renewable energy sources under his administration, as well as measures to reduce engine emissions and cut electricity use in state facilities.
By 2050, California aims to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels – a target even more ambitious than the 60% goal set by Tony Blair for the UK.
Mr Schwarzenegger wrote: “These steps are great for the environment but great for our economy, too.
“Many people have falsely assumed that you have to choose between protecting the environment and protecting the economy.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. In California, we will do both.” |
