Morning:
13°c
'Let's get on' with climate fight, urges Alistair Darling
06.11.09
Chancellor Alistair Darling today urged finance ministers from the world's leading economies to "get on" with tackling climate change.
Speaking ahead of the G20 meeting which begins in Scotland today, Mr Darling said climate change was a "present problem" which needs billions of pounds in order to be tackled.
He said: "We either take action and stop those problems happening or we fail to take action and we face bigger costs down the line.
"My message to my fellow finance ministers is there's a job of work to be done here. I don't think anyone seriously denies there's a problem here. Let's get on with it."
The Chancellor, who is hosting a meeting of G20 ministers at St Andrews, Fife, stressed that "heavy lifting" was needed to make progress on the issue.
Despite the current financial turmoil, Mr Darling said investing in the fight against global warming was crucial.
He said: "People, not just in governments throughout the world but, more importantly, people in countries around the world, want us to be actually taking action now to deal with a present problem - that's the damaging effects of climate change.
"So there's a lot of work to be done still, a lot of heavy lifting, a lot of arguments still to be won but that's an important part of this weekend."
Last week, EU leaders agreed to a 100 billion euro (£89.6 billion) annual package of public and private finance by 2020 to help poorer nations develop green industries and adapt to climate change.
Environmental group WWF is urging ministers to agree to an immediate 10 billion dollars (£6 billion) a year to help the most vulnerable countries adapt to changing climate.
A larger 160 billion dollar (£96 billion) deal should also be struck to help reduce harmful emissions, the WWF said.
The talks, which last until Saturday, are the last in a series which saw leaders agree a one trillion dollar "fiscal stimulus" plan in the wake of global recession.
Demonstrations are being organised to coincide with the weekend gathering.
A coalition of anti-war campaigners and student groups intend to rally in St Andrews on Saturday to "say nae tae the G20".
A "people's G20" will be held at the beach on Saturday before talks and "cultural events".
Reader views (6)
Fight climate change? Get your cheque books out everyone, there's only one thing you can be sure about - it's gonna cost and we're going to pay! (Oh, and nothing will be done!).
- Chris, Brighton, England
"Climate change needs billions of pounds to be spent"
Why? Analyse the statement and it boils down to Labour wanting to gather more tax to throw at banks, civil service pensions and free porn for MPs.
Tackling "climate change" (i.e. the weather) does not require billions of our money. It requires a little common sense and some gentle nudging to change habits.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one
Aren't Socialists great at spending other peoples' money !
- Doug Watt, london (EUSSR)14
How do you propose to regulate the output of the sun Mr Darling?
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants
I really wish these people would go and peddle their "climate change" nonsense elsewhere - More people are seeing through this fiction and realising it is just a way to tax people more - Air Passenger Duty anyone ? It was admitted that APD hasnt gone on environmental issues but straight into the governments coffers more likely to pay for someone to earn an exorbitant amount of money for running a quango a six year old could probably do better !
- Geoff, Cambridge, UK
Never mind climate change and chatting with all your mates who have similar jobs as you Mr Darling, you have taken your eye of the ball, your most important concern is here in the UK with accelerating unemployment etc, you need to concentrate on what you were elected for, climate change is totally irrelevant at the moment. Sort out our present financial mess first then you can go and save the world.
- Ann Other View, England
