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Climate change fight 'can't wait' Climate change fight 'can't wait'
(10 minutes later)
The world cannot afford to wait before tackling climate change, the UK prime minister has warned.The world cannot afford to wait before tackling climate change, the UK prime minister has warned.
A report by economist Sir Nicholas Stern suggests that global warming could shrink the global economy by 20%.A report by economist Sir Nicholas Stern suggests that global warming could shrink the global economy by 20%.
But taking action now would cost just 1% of global gross domestic product, the 700-page study says.But taking action now would cost just 1% of global gross domestic product, the 700-page study says.
Tony Blair said the Stern Review showed the scientific evidence of global warming was "overwhelming" and its consequences "disastrous".Tony Blair said the Stern Review showed the scientific evidence of global warming was "overwhelming" and its consequences "disastrous".
The report said that rich countries must shoulder most of the responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions.The report said that rich countries must shoulder most of the responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions.
And chancellor Gordon Brown promised the UK would lead the international response to tackle climate change.And chancellor Gordon Brown promised the UK would lead the international response to tackle climate change.
'No time to wait''No time to wait'
The report says that without action, up to 200 million people could become refugees as their homes are hit by drought or flood.The report says that without action, up to 200 million people could become refugees as their homes are hit by drought or flood.
"Whilst there is much more we need to understand - both in science and economics - we know enough now to be clear about the magnitude of the risks, the timescale for action and how to act effectively," Sir Nicholas said."Whilst there is much more we need to understand - both in science and economics - we know enough now to be clear about the magnitude of the risks, the timescale for action and how to act effectively," Sir Nicholas said.
We have the time and knowledge to act but only if we act internationally, strongly and urgently Sir Nicholas Stern Stern Review summary Sir Nicholas' presentation Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the reader hereWe have the time and knowledge to act but only if we act internationally, strongly and urgently Sir Nicholas Stern Stern Review summary Sir Nicholas' presentation Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the reader here
"That's why I'm optimistic - having done this review - that we have the time and knowledge to act. But only if we act internationally, strongly and urgently.""That's why I'm optimistic - having done this review - that we have the time and knowledge to act. But only if we act internationally, strongly and urgently."
Mr Blair said the consequences for the planet of inaction were "literally disastrous".Mr Blair said the consequences for the planet of inaction were "literally disastrous".
"This disaster is not set to happen in some science fiction future many years ahead, but in our lifetime," he said."This disaster is not set to happen in some science fiction future many years ahead, but in our lifetime," he said.
"Investment now will pay us back many times in the future, not just environmentally but economically as well.""Investment now will pay us back many times in the future, not just environmentally but economically as well."
"For every £1 invested now we can save £5, or possibly more, by acting now."For every £1 invested now we can save £5, or possibly more, by acting now.
"We can't wait the five years it took to negotiate Kyoto - we simply don't have the time. We accept we have to go further (than Kyoto).""We can't wait the five years it took to negotiate Kyoto - we simply don't have the time. We accept we have to go further (than Kyoto)."
Large risksLarge risks
Sir Nicholas, a former chief economist of the World Bank, told BBC Radio Four's Today programme: "Unless it's international, we will not make the reductions on the scale which will be required."Sir Nicholas, a former chief economist of the World Bank, told BBC Radio Four's Today programme: "Unless it's international, we will not make the reductions on the scale which will be required."
He went on: "What we have shown is the magnitude of these risks is very large and has to be taken into account in the kind of investments the world makes today and the consumption patterns it has."He went on: "What we have shown is the magnitude of these risks is very large and has to be taken into account in the kind of investments the world makes today and the consumption patterns it has."
The Stern Review forecasts that 1% of global gross domestic product (GDP) must be spent on tackling climate change immediately.The Stern Review forecasts that 1% of global gross domestic product (GDP) must be spent on tackling climate change immediately.
It warns that if no action is taken:It warns that if no action is taken:
  • Floods from rising sea levels could displace up to 100 million people
  • Floods from rising sea levels could displace up to 100 million people
  • Melting glaciers could cause water shortages for 1 in 6 of the world's population
  • Melting glaciers could cause water shortages for 1 in 6 of the world's population
  • Wildlife will be harmed; at worst up to 40% of species could become extinct
  • Wildlife will be harmed; at worst up to 40% of species could become extinct
  • Droughts may create tens or even hundreds of millions of "climate refugees"
  • Droughts may create tens or even hundreds of millions of "climate refugees"
    • Clear objectivesClear objectives
    The study is the first major contribution to the global warming debate by an economist, rather than a scientist.The study is the first major contribution to the global warming debate by an economist, rather than a scientist.
    Mr Brown, who commissioned the report, has also recruited former US Vice President Al Gore as an environment adviser.Mr Brown, who commissioned the report, has also recruited former US Vice President Al Gore as an environment adviser.
    There is the greatest opportunity of all, the prize of securing and safeguarding the planet for our generations to come Gordon Brown Reactions to the Stern ReviewThere is the greatest opportunity of all, the prize of securing and safeguarding the planet for our generations to come Gordon Brown Reactions to the Stern Review
    Environment Secretary David Miliband is considering a range of taxes designed to change people's behaviour to offset global warming.Environment Secretary David Miliband is considering a range of taxes designed to change people's behaviour to offset global warming.
    "In the 20th century our national economic ambitions were the twin objectives of achieving stable economic growth and full employment," Mr Brown said."In the 20th century our national economic ambitions were the twin objectives of achieving stable economic growth and full employment," Mr Brown said.
    "Now in the 21st century our new objectives are clear, they are threefold: growth, full employment and environmental care.""Now in the 21st century our new objectives are clear, they are threefold: growth, full employment and environmental care."
    He said the green challenge was also an opportunity "for new markets, for new jobs, new technologies, new exports where companies, universities and social enterprises in Britain can lead the world". HAVE YOUR SAY Tiny changes we make now can save millions of lives Mark, London href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?threadID=4581&edition=1" class="">Send us your views He said the green challenge was also an opportunity "for new markets, for new jobs, new technologies, new exports where companies, universities and social enterprises in Britain can lead the world".
    "And then there is the greatest opportunity of all, the prize of securing and safeguarding the planet for our generations to come.""And then there is the greatest opportunity of all, the prize of securing and safeguarding the planet for our generations to come."
    Mr Brown called for a long-term framework of a worldwide carbon market that would lead to "a low-carbon global economy". Among his plans are:Mr Brown called for a long-term framework of a worldwide carbon market that would lead to "a low-carbon global economy". Among his plans are:
    • Reducing European-wide emissions by 30% by 2020, and at least 60% by 2050
    • Reducing European-wide emissions by 30% by 2020, and at least 60% by 2050
  • By 2010, having 5% of all UK vehicles running on biofuels
  • By 2010, having 5% of all UK vehicles running on biofuels
  • Creating an independent environmental authority to work with the government
  • Creating an independent environmental authority to work with the government
  • Establishing trade links with Brazil, Papua New Guinea and Costa Rica to ensure sustainable forestry
  • Establishing trade links with Brazil, Papua New Guinea and Costa Rica to ensure sustainable forestry
  • Working with China on clean coal technologies
  • Working with China on clean coal technologies