Stephen Byers

Labour Party | North Tyneside

Byers in Washington for talks on climate change

Former Cabinet Minster Stephen Byers is in Washington this week for a series of meetings in his capacity as co-chair of the International Taskforce on Climate Change. The taskforce was established by the Institute for Public Policy Research in London, the Center for American Progress in Washington and the Australia Institute in Canberra. It will report early in 2005. Its recommendations will be aimed at all major governments.

The creation of the taskforce has been welcomed by Tony Blair who has said that he intends to make climate change a key priority next year in his international roles as head of the G8 from January and President of the European Union from July.

Over three days (Monday to Wednesday) Stephen Byers will meet with officials from the Bush administration, members of the Senate and Congress, US business interests, members of John Kerry’s policy team and environmental groups.

Speaking on Monday at the start of his meetings, Stephen Byers said:

“Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing the world today. Fundamental changes are needed to the way we produce and use energy if we are to stop yet further damage to the world’s climate.

“The causes of climate change are global. One country acting alone cannot solve the problem. Countries need to know that if they take on commitments to tackle global warming they will not be undermined by free riders who refuse to become part of a common global endeavour.

“The reality is that unless we can get the United States engaged – responsible as it is for around a quarter of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions – then any hopes of successfully tackling global warming will be doomed to failure.

“I know that there is a considerable body of opinion in America that believes the introduction of measures to tackle global warming will adversely affect the American way of life. But for millions of Americans climate change is already having a damaging and disrupting effect on their lives. Time is running out if we are to win this battle against climate change and we need America to join the international effort.”