Just one month after Copenhagen, countries accounting for nearly 80% of global emissions have shown theyre pushing ahead with domestic action on climate change. With countries including the USA, China and India setting out what they will do, this is a significant change compared with just twelve months ago. There is now a world-wide recognition that cutting emissions and moving to a low carbon economy is the right thing to do. The change is irreversible.
The figures published today are significant and if countries, including the EU, implement their commitments to the maximum levels we will be in striking distance of ensuring that global emissions peak by 2020. This is a crucial first step to keeping temperature rises to no more than two degrees.
But theres still more to do and well continue to push for bold cuts in emissions as well as a comprehensive, legally binding climate change framework under the UN. A global climate deal is vital to Britain helping us protect the environment, boost green jobs and enhance our energy security.
