G8 LEADERS MUST ACCEPT CLIMATE CHANGE EVIDENCE
(21 June 2005)

G8 Leaders in Gleneagles must accept the scientific evidence on climate change said Stephen Cox, Executive Secretary of the Royal Society, will warn in a speech to MPs today (Tuesday 21 June 2005). Addressing participants at the annual Parliamentary Links Day organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Mr Cox also called on G8 leaders to acknowledge the importance of science in the development of African countries.

He said: “Two weeks ago, the national science academies of the G8 nations and of China, India and Brazil, published an unprecedented statement calling on all world leaders to accept that the science is now clear enough to justify prompt action. It called on G8 leaders to accept the scientific evidence and to commit to long-term and substantial reductions in global emissions of greenhouse gases.

“But despite the delivery of this very clear message from the scientific community, it is not clear how well G8 governments are listening. Just last week we saw media reports that suggested an advance draft of the communiqué for Gleneagles illustrates muddled thinking on climate change.

“Indeed, if the document leaked to the media last week is the genuine article, and accurately reflects the final text of the communiqué, it seems unlikely that scientists in any of the G8 countries will welcome their governments signing it.

Mr Cox also criticised the stance of the US Government. He said: “The costs of avoiding the worst effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions today will be far lower than the cost of tackling the consequences of climate change tomorrow.

“That is why the current position of the US Government makes such little sense. But there are signs that the ground may be moving under its feet. Last week, the Us Senate debated an Energy Bill, with a tabled provision that calls for a mandatory 2.4 per cent annual cut in greenhouse gas emissions.

“And three weeks ago, Governor Schwarzenegger committed the state of California to cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, declaring: ‘I say the debate is over. We know the science, we see the threat and we know the time for action is now’. Let us hope that the Terminator’s words are ringing in the ears of President Bush and the other G8 leaders at Gleneagles.”

Mr Cox also stressed the importance of science, technology and innovation for African countries. He will say: “If we are ever to see a strong, self-sufficient Africa in the future that no longer needs to relay on aid from the developed world to stay alive and prosper, we will need to help the people of Africa to develop their own capacity in science, medicine, engineering, technology and innovation.

“Help them to create the essential infrastructure to educate and train their own cadres of skilled technicians and researchers, who will work in universities and industries in their own countries, using their own up to date equipment and tools. And help them to create an environment which stimulates innovation. Innovation is what could allow Africa to prosper.”

Mr Cox concluded: “At Gleneagles, G8 leaders have an unprecedented opportunity in human history to tackle two of the greatest problems facing the world, namely the threat of global climate change and poverty and deprivation in Africa. Let’s hope they seize the chance.”

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