The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was established by the United Nations to gather the scientific evidence on global warming for world leaders. Immediately, it was attacked by free market think tanks funded by oil. BRENDAN MONTAGUE investigates
The publication of the government's draft Climate Change Bill this week signalled the latest round of the escalating competition between David Cameron and Tony Blair to take the title of climate change champion of the world. Following hard on the EU measures, the government's bill set out more radical targets than before and promises to deliver them – a promise that will be reinforced by a new committee of independent auditors.
The European Commission's plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 received a boost yesterday as Tony Blair completed a British U turn by overruling his industry minister and French diplomats said Jacques Chirac could accept the binding agreement.
Tony Blair yesterday reiterated his belief that "you will not get people to give up the motor car or cheap air travel," and that he would 'stop short' of introducing carbon quotas.
