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
Econ Crash Could Deflate Climate Crusade
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)   (Associated Press)

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. (More climate change stories.)

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