WWF-UK: Brown engages in the climate change debate
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Brown engages in the climate change debate
Tuesday 15 March 2005
Gordon Brown encouraged business to embrace the challenge of climate change during a keynote speech at a ministerial meeting of the top 20 energy using economies.
The Chancellor also stressed the importance of the role richer countries should play in fighting climate change.
Andrew Lee, Director of Campaigns at WWF, said: "Gordon Brown's speech is a milestone in moving business closer to embracing climate change. He has sent out a clear signal to business that they ignore this issue at their peril, but that if they do engage in the debate it can bring increased competitiveness and economic benefits.
"We are delighted that he has become the world's first finance minister to really make a commitment to playing a part in combating climate change and framing the climate debate in terms of economic opportunities.
"WWF is particularly pleased that Mr Brown has acknowledged the importance of keeping the global rise in average temperature to well below 2°C (above pre-industrial levels). This is the crucial tipping point for the environment, which would have devastating consequences for people and wildlife.
"We hope the chancellor now remains in the debate and continues to heighten the urgency of tackling climate change and the crucial role business can play in this."
Andrew Lee, Director of Campaigns at WWF, said: "Gordon Brown's speech is a milestone in moving business closer to embracing climate change. He has sent out a clear signal to business that they ignore this issue at their peril, but that if they do engage in the debate it can bring increased competitiveness and economic benefits.
"We are delighted that he has become the world's first finance minister to really make a commitment to playing a part in combating climate change and framing the climate debate in terms of economic opportunities.
"WWF is particularly pleased that Mr Brown has acknowledged the importance of keeping the global rise in average temperature to well below 2°C (above pre-industrial levels). This is the crucial tipping point for the environment, which would have devastating consequences for people and wildlife.
"We hope the chancellor now remains in the debate and continues to heighten the urgency of tackling climate change and the crucial role business can play in this."
Get involved
WWF has teamed up with green electricity supplier Ecotricity to help address the global threat posed by climate change. To find out more or transfer your home or business supply to green electricity, visit Ecotricity's website or call Ecotricity free on 08000 326 100.
WWF's Stop Climate Chaos! campaign is calling on governments and the power sector to limit CO2 emissions and therefore, the devastating effects of climate change.
Visit the Stop Climate Chaos campaign website