Menu
15/09/2004
Blair calls for 'immediate action' to tackle global warming
Immediate action is needed to tackle global warming if the world is to avoid facing "catastrophic consequences", the Prime Minister has warned.
In a strongly worded speech in central London last night, Tony Blair said that the "irreversible and destructive" effects of global warming could "radically alter" human existence within his own lifetime.
No one nation can resolve the issue on its own, he said, but if the international community failed to act, it would seriously affect "our way of life".
"What is now plain is that the emission of greenhouse gases, associated with industrialisation and strong economic growth from a world population that has increased sixfold in 200 years, is causing global warming at a rate that began as significant, has become alarming and is simply unsustainable in the long-term," Mr Blair said.
"It is now that timely action can avert disaster. It is now that with foresight and will such action can be taken without disturbing the essence of our way of life, by adjusting behaviour not altering it entirely."
He cited evidence saying that the science behind climate change is "almost certainly correct".
Research has suggested that global warming was responsible for last summer's European heat wave. It resulted in 26,000 premature deaths and cost $13.5 billion.
As part of the drive to reduce the impact of modern living on the environment, Mr Blair said that new schools and housing in the UK would be built in a way that is environmentally sustainable.
"To acquire global leadership, on this issue Britain must demonstrate it first at home," he said.
(gmcg)
In a strongly worded speech in central London last night, Tony Blair said that the "irreversible and destructive" effects of global warming could "radically alter" human existence within his own lifetime.
No one nation can resolve the issue on its own, he said, but if the international community failed to act, it would seriously affect "our way of life".
"What is now plain is that the emission of greenhouse gases, associated with industrialisation and strong economic growth from a world population that has increased sixfold in 200 years, is causing global warming at a rate that began as significant, has become alarming and is simply unsustainable in the long-term," Mr Blair said.
"It is now that timely action can avert disaster. It is now that with foresight and will such action can be taken without disturbing the essence of our way of life, by adjusting behaviour not altering it entirely."
He cited evidence saying that the science behind climate change is "almost certainly correct".
Research has suggested that global warming was responsible for last summer's European heat wave. It resulted in 26,000 premature deaths and cost $13.5 billion.
As part of the drive to reduce the impact of modern living on the environment, Mr Blair said that new schools and housing in the UK would be built in a way that is environmentally sustainable.
"To acquire global leadership, on this issue Britain must demonstrate it first at home," he said.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 October 2006
Blair warns of 'catastrophic' global warming
Prime Minister Tony Blair has issued a stark warning that the world is close to a “catastrophic tipping point” on global warning. This news comes on the day Mr Blair will attend an EU Summit in Lahti, Finland to advise fellow European leaders on the serious consequences of the situation regarding the economy, supply of resources and peoples safety.
Blair warns of 'catastrophic' global warming
Prime Minister Tony Blair has issued a stark warning that the world is close to a “catastrophic tipping point” on global warning. This news comes on the day Mr Blair will attend an EU Summit in Lahti, Finland to advise fellow European leaders on the serious consequences of the situation regarding the economy, supply of resources and peoples safety.
30 November 2009
Arctic Trip Highlights Global Warming
An expedition to the High Arctic has scored a world first. Aboard his boat, Caelan, to shoot material for a TV pilot on climate change, natural history producer and cameraman Brian Black, of Evergreen Media, has gone where no one has gone before - because of global warming.
Arctic Trip Highlights Global Warming
An expedition to the High Arctic has scored a world first. Aboard his boat, Caelan, to shoot material for a TV pilot on climate change, natural history producer and cameraman Brian Black, of Evergreen Media, has gone where no one has gone before - because of global warming.
20 August 2007
Climate Protesters Gather At Heathrow Airport
After a week camped outside the offices of Heathrow Airport, close to 2,000 police officers were called in to intervene in a climate change protesters demonstration.
Climate Protesters Gather At Heathrow Airport
After a week camped outside the offices of Heathrow Airport, close to 2,000 police officers were called in to intervene in a climate change protesters demonstration.
28 July 2003
Met Office claims more links between man and climate change
Climate scientists at the Met Office claim to have found new evidence that humans are to blame for climate change, not only on the global level, but over individual continents as well.
Met Office claims more links between man and climate change
Climate scientists at the Met Office claim to have found new evidence that humans are to blame for climate change, not only on the global level, but over individual continents as well.
13 August 2007
Heathrow Protest Camp Established
Environmental protestors are demonstrating against the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport. The week-long 'Camp For Climate Action', with hundreds of protestors already encamped, is highlighting the link between global warming and aviation at one of the world's busiest airports.
Heathrow Protest Camp Established
Environmental protestors are demonstrating against the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport. The week-long 'Camp For Climate Action', with hundreds of protestors already encamped, is highlighting the link between global warming and aviation at one of the world's busiest airports.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
