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Climate debate is early Christmas present
From the archive, first published Thursday 29th Dec 2005.
That the world's nations have agreed to debate measures to tackle climate change is an early Christmas present. It's an incredibly complicated process with Europe providing the leadership.
Environment Secretary, Margaret Beckett, deserves praise for her work while Britain has held the EU presidency.
Every climate change conference has had a different mood. Montreal reflected a new sense of purpose. Those still in denial about global warming were absent. Industry said it wanted to be seen as part of the solution not as the problem. Everyone pointed to examples of real steps forward being taken in the USA despite George Bush's lack of enthusiasm.
Words must be turned into action that will affect us all. We need an energy saving programme with new standards for every home. Emissions from cars must be reduced.
The growth in air travel has to be slowed until cleaner technology catches up. Investment in all forms of renewable energy must be boosted. These steps will come at a price but they will also create jobs and new opportunities.
The key to progress lies with tax changes to penalise bad practice and give incentives for the clean alternatives. Now it is up to Gordon Brown to put fine words into practical effect.
Chris Davies,
Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West
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