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What a lot of hot air!
Last updated at 13:07pm on 12.12.07
Flying into controversy: Ban Ki-moon
The UN secretary-general today called on world leaders for immediate action on climate change - before flying thousands of miles to the US for a music concert and then leaving in the interval to jet to Europe.
Ban Ki-moon has been slammed for planning a round-the-world trip that will generate thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions just days after he leaves the UN meeting in Bali.
The South Korean has organised a post-conference trip, starting on Sunday, that will see him fly to attend the concert in New York, adding more than 4,300 miles to his itinerary. When he leaves the island after the summit Mr Ban will fly to East Timor, and then to Japan where he will briefly stop before catching another flight to the US.
The flight from Tokyo to New York takes him the wrong way around the world to arrive in time for the reception of a Korean concert-at Carnegie Hall, where he is the guest of honour. The concert is titled Around The World In Eighty Minutes.
The UN is expected to announce plans to offset the emissions generated by all agencies involved in the Bali conference by contributing to various environmentally friendly projects.
Reader views (22)
What a completely sick joke this is.
Where does everyone think that the money comes from for everything they do? What’s funny is that they are contributing OUR money to “various environmentally friendly projects” to offset THEIR extravagance. They end up having all the benefit by charging taxpayers to fund their jet-setter lifestyle, ostensibly harming the environment, and then charge me again to offset their sin/fun. I’m getting the double whammy, and they expect me to be thankful that they are “helping” me.
This anthropocentric global warming foolishness is exactly that.
- Qaton Chozeh, Detroit, Michigan, 13/12/2007 16:16
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There's something haunting, ominous and ironic about someone claiming that the world is going to end while causing it at the same time. It's like a preacher passing the collection plate for and 'end of the world fund.'
- Brett, UK, 13/12/2007 14:24
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If you're worried about CO2 emissions, try this free carbon offset... for the next hour.... don't exhale.
- Lee L, Tully, 13/12/2007 14:16
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It's like an anti-smoking advocate speaking out against smoking while puffing on a cigarette, and then declaring that he makes contributions to lung cancer research.
- Neal, DC, 13/12/2007 13:58
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Do as I say...not as I do.
- Mikec, USA, 12/12/2007 18:10
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Typical of Socialist Elitists the world over: Do as I say, not as I do.
- Steve, New York, NY, 12/12/2007 18:00
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This article is proof that Ban Li-moon is a hypocrite and doesn't really believe in global warming. He knows it is a lie created for political reasons and he understands that jet travel isn't going to destroy the earth.
- Mr. Lucas Brice, Oxford, UK, 12/12/2007 17:58
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The hypocracy that these people exhibit clearly shows that this is not about the science of global warming (or lack thereof), but about some other agenda! By the way, what makes people like Al Gore such an expert on climatology? I've read a lot about neurology but that doesn't make me a neurosurgeon!
- Brent Gooden, Weatherford, USA, 12/12/2007 17:38
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Gore - hypocrite. Google - hypocrites. UN - hypocrites. Everyone who signed Kyoto - hypocrites. US Conservatives will be the last ones standing when this global warming farce is killed for good.
- Jbs, San Jose USA, 12/12/2007 17:34
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Typical Liberal rubbish.
Like with Gore...scare the people with this Global Warmimg myth...make millions of dollars through investments in companies associated with the environment, then you yourself do as you please,while scolding John Q. Citizen for ruining the planet.
- Justin, New Jersey,U.S.A., 12/12/2007 17:30
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It's hard to believe that anyone would believe anything the UN has to say about climate change. The UN is a political organisation that has never got anything right in its entire history. This is just another example. They are totally disconnected from reality as its secretary general demonstrates.
- George, Vancouver, Canada, 12/12/2007 17:27
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What hypocrisy! We are supposed to stop driving SUVs, but these hypocrites can do whatever they want as long as they promise to contribute "to various environmentally friendly projects." Ridiculous.
- Dwing, Jackson, USA, 12/12/2007 17:26
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These people trying to tell us how to live are hypocrites. Global Warming is a farce.
- Mike Pilcher, Garden City, Kansas, 12/12/2007 17:26
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What a self serving joke.
- John, Fort Worth,TX - USA, 12/12/2007 17:24
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More proof of what a farce this all is. When the richest people in the world start moving from their seaside houses and these unelected tyrannical hypocrites start practicing what they preach; then maybe I'll listen.
- Kevin, Stamford, CT USA, 12/12/2007 17:20
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When people like Ban Ki-moon and Al Gore purchase carbon offsets, it really doesn't do anything about reducing actual carbon emissions. It only makes them "feel" good about what they are doing, which is absolutely nothing.
- Rich, Indianapolis - USA, 12/12/2007 17:20
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Another reason to get out of the UN.
- Lee, USA, 12/12/2007 17:18
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I hope he flies in economy to save all the taxpayers money.
- Mic Vincent, Toronto Canada, 12/12/2007 16:51
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The song "Man in the Mirror" sums this up neatly... everyone has to make a change.
- John Smith, Southampton, England, 12/12/2007 16:11
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How to cut climate emissions - hold the next Climate Change Conference in Scunthorpe not Bali!
- Dave, London, 12/12/2007 14:49
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You couldn’t make it up.
- Grim Reaper, London, 12/12/2007 13:47
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As with all Quangos and non-elected individuals: Do as I say but not as I do.
- Adam, Harrow, UK, 12/12/2007 13:22
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