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Sarko: France to Go Green

French leader is optimistic about a cleaner future

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Oct 25, 2007 7:10 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Nicolas Sarkozy called for a greener France today, including higher taxes on polluters, a 50% reduction of pesticide use, and the eradication of genetically modified crops. The French president spoke at the close of a national environment summit that counted Al Gore in attendance. But the conference failed to generate consensus on the role of nuclear power in France, which produces 80% of its electricity.

Sarkozy waxed optimistic, claiming France would freeze the construction of new highways and airports, and divert the funds to investments in the nation's rail infrastructure. He also asked the EU to look into taxing imports from nations that don't abide by the Kyoto Protocol. "The aim is to tax pollution...more and tax work less," he said.

France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, left, and former U.S. Vice President and 2007 Nobel Peace prize winner Al Gore wave to the media in the courtyard of the Elysee Palace in Paris, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007 on the last day of Grenelle de l'Environnement ecological talks. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, left, and former U.S. Vice President and 2007 Nobel Peace prize winner Al Gore wave to the media in the courtyard of the Elysee Palace in Paris, Thursday, Oct. 25,...   (Associated Press)
From left to right, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Kenya's 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmentalist Wangari Maathai, and France's President Nicolas Sarkozy and former U.S. Vice President and 2007 Nobel Peace prize winner Al Gore pose on the steps of the Elysee Palace in Paris, Thursday,...
From left to right, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Kenya's 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmentalist Wangari Maathai, and France's President Nicolas Sarkozy and former U.S....   (Associated Press)
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, left, greets European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso at the end of the speeches at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Thursday, Oct. 25 , 2007 on the last day of Grenelle de l'Environnement ecological talks. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, left, greets European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso at the end of the speeches at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Thursday, Oct. 25 , 2007 on the last day of...   (Associated Press)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivers his speech at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Thursday, Oct. 25 , 2007 on the last day of Grenelle de l'Environnement ecological talks. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivers his speech at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Thursday, Oct. 25 , 2007 on the last day of "Grenelle de l'Environnement" ecological talks. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)   (Associated Press)
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Sarko's green speech: good on paper
Independent (UK)

Gore applauds Sarko speech
Associated Press

World • Green

 
Al Gore • greenhouse gases • Nicolas Sarkozy • France • fossil fuel • green energy • green technology • green transportation • pesticide

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