Action call as Kyoto begins

Published on 16/02/2005 12:25

ENVIRONMENTALISTS and senior politicians today demanded renewed action over climate change as the Kyoto protocol finally came into force, seven years after it was first agreed.

Prime Minister Tony Blair faced a challenge to put more effort into tackling climate change from opposition leaders.

Enivronmentalists in Scotland launched a new campaign group to demand tough new targets are introduced by the Scottish Executive to cut greenhouse gasses.

The Kyoto protocol has been agreed by 141 countries, but not the United States.

Under the agreement, the UK will aim to cut greenhouse emissions 12.5 per cent from 1990 levels by 2012, reducing the risk of climate change. This is a tougher target than the original goal of five per cent - raised after environmental groups protested when the benchmark was set in 1997.

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy challenged Mr Blair and Tory leader Michael Howard to make a commitment to the environment. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Kennedy said:

"The Kyoto Treaty is only the start of the process. If we are to tackle climate change, then concerted and consistent action on the international stage - and at home - will be required for decades to come."

The landmark event will be marked around the globe with a series of official events.

In Scotland, a new umbrella group Scottish Environment LINK was launched, with a call for year-on-year targets on cutting carbon dioxide emissions rather than more general long term goals.