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Econ Crash Could Deflate Climate Crusade

Governments could be 'distracted' by market woes, UN officials warn

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 23, 2008 9:50 PM CST

(Newser) – As the global economy panics, leaders are in danger of abandoning lofty climate-change goals, top UN climate gurus warned today. At the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, the Guardian reports, the pair urged politicians not to be “distracted” by the crisis. “This is the time to be bold and push through,” said Bali conference chair Yvo de Boer.

“I don’t think any self-respecting European politician can leave his house if Europe backs off the commitment to cut emissions by 20%,” de Boer said, calling for “a Marshall plan for climate change.” Politicians, de Boer realizes, are walking a tightrope, trying to fight climate change without risking their necks. The EU today unveiled a plan to cut emissions 20% by 2020.

Icicles are seen in front of a sign at the main venue of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday Jan. 22, 2008. Politicians, financial experts, pop stars and business leaders will gather in the mountain resort for 5 days of meetings beginning on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Icicles are seen in front of a sign at the main venue of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday Jan. 22, 2008. Politicians, financial experts, pop stars and business leaders will gather...   (Associated Press)
Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Rajendra Pachauri gestures while speaking during a media conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 23, 2008. Amid a backdrop of concern over the health of the global economy, some 2,500 business and political leaders gathered Wednesday...
Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Rajendra Pachauri gestures while speaking during a media conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday Jan. 23, 2008....   (Associated Press)
A Chinese woman cycles past cooling towers in Beijing, China, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007. (AP Photo)
A Chinese woman cycles past cooling towers in Beijing, China, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007. (AP Photo)   (Associated Press)
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