Greenpeace calls for Bali mandate

Greenpeace has challenged world leaders to strengthen the Kyoto Protocol ahead of December's United Nations summit in Bali.


At a UN meeting in New York on Monday, Lo Sze Ping, campaigns director of Greenpeace China, called for a Bali Mandate to address climate change.

The organisation said international governments must agree to a peak in global emissions by 2015 and industrialised nations must take the lead by cutting emissions by at least 30% by 2020, from 1990 levels.

Mr Sze Ping said: “The work in Bali cannot be a road map, not a wish list, but a clear mandate to a strengthened second phase of the Kyoto Protocol by 2009.

He added: “Sober scientists and economists are raising alarm bells that can be ignored only at great peril to us all.

“The Kyoto Protocol is the only way we can deliver real action on climate change.

“Governments must not be diverted by more rhetoric and posturing such as the upcoming Major Emitters Meeting in Washington.”

The campaigners want UN members to agree to halve global emissions by 2050, from 1990 levels, and to include countries such as China, Brazil and India in the Kyoto emissions trading system.

Greenpeace also wants the mandate to include a fund to switch to renewable energy, a reduction in deforestation and resources to support those affected by unavoidable climate change.

Mr Sze Ping challenged the view that China is not tackling climate change, but admitted that the country must do more.

He said: “China is acting, as we have already established significant renewable energy and energy efficiency targets.

“However, we must end our dependency on coal for the production of energy and harness our capacity to develop wind and solar power to address climate change through profitable alternatives.”

Kate Martin

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe