June 27 - Tony Blair Speaks On Breaking the Climate Deadlock
Article: One World Government
The problem of climate change is now, almost universally understood and acknowledged. This is in itself a major achievement. But now is the moment to get serious about the solution. Such a solution has to be global. It must include America and China. It has to be radical. It must put the world on a path away from carbon dependence to a new and green economy. It has to take account of the completely legitimate right of people - especially the world's poorest - to enjoy the benefits of economic growth and prosperity spread to all.
It is about trying to unite the scientists and experts with the political leaders and decision-makers. The report warns of the danger of a yawning chasm between, on the one hand the calls for radical action from scientists, environmental groups and people rightly alarmed at the effect of greenhouse gas emissions on the planet; and on the other, the anxiety of decision makers in politics and business, who share the aims of the radical action but worry about whether that action is realistic. Long-term everyone accepts that the needs of economy and environment are in partnership. Short-term there is a clear tension. And we live in the short-term. The report tries to design a way to bridge this chasm.
There is a blunt reality that we need to acknowledge amongst all the talk of targets, goals and obligations. The climate demands, over time, a radical, transformative change in the nature of the world economy, moving from growth built on carbon dependence, to environmentally sustainable development.
There may be a gap between what it is reasonable to do; and what is necessary for the climate to survive. The global deal is about eliminating that gap.
The aim of phase two of the report will be to try to show how the building blocks can be arranged in a cohesive global deal. In particular we will try to bridge the chasm earlier described between the entirely understandable demands for radical action to save the environment and the equally understandable desire for countries to enjoy economic growth and prosperity in a world in which the majority, at present are still poor. Finally, some good news. It is clear the deal can be done. Indeed long term there will be benefits not just to the environment but to the economy in doing it. But short-term we need to get it right. That is what we will try to help.
