Brown calls for unity on climate change
Pressure has been exerted on the government to promote use of renewable energy
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Monday, 12, Mar 2007 06:49
Gordon Brown says the wave of national unity fostered by the Make Poverty History campaign must be channelled towards tackling climate change.
Addressing the Green Alliance this evening, the chancellor said a "shift in international institutions" would be needed to "make the difference" on reducing global carbon emissions.
He predicted the EU would be completely transformed because of the need to cope with widespread pressures on a number of issues.
Although the restructuring of the global economy and fighting terrorism were important Mr Brown said "environmental imperatives" would push the need for reform.
On the domestic agenda he said the government's climate change bill, due to be published tomorrow, would require a wide consultation period to secure consensus on the issue.
"Both at home and abroad I believe that the message that has been sent out is that we must build a partnership that is stronger and broader and deeper than ever before," Mr Brown said.
"That same mobilisation of social confidence and moral force that was brought together to make poverty history should now be dedicated to making our environment sustainable," he added.
The chancellor's annual budget, set to be revealed next week, is expected to feature green taxes on landfill use and an investment of up to £600 million in developing 'carbon capture' technology.
Today's speech follows proposals for controversial taxes on airline passengers made earlier by Conservative leader David Cameron earlier today.