6.18.2005
G-8 Draft on Global Warming Is Weakened at U.S. Behest (NYTimes.com)
By ANDREW C. REVKIN
Published: June 18, 2005
WASHINGTON, June 17 - Drafts of a joint statement being prepared for the leaders of the major industrial powers show that the Bush administration has succeeded in removing language calling for prompt action to control global warming.
The statement is being negotiated in advance of the annual Group of 8 summit, which is to be held in Scotland next month. Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain, president of the group this year, has sought to focus the summit on aid to Africa and on climate change.
The statement, first outlined last month by British officials, is meant to reflect the eight countries' shared concerns and plans regarding climate change. Drafts have been batted back and forth since mid-May.
A newly disclosed version, the first showing specifically what changes were sought by the Bush administration, was provided to The New York Times on Friday by someone in Europe involved with shaping the British stance on the issue.
It is dated May 27, and the revisions, many of which are also reflected in a June 14 version, vividly illustrate the broad gulf between the United States and the group's other members: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and Russia.
(More ... G-8 Draft on Global Warming Is Weakened at U.S. Behest - New York Times) ¶ 20:08
Published: June 18, 2005
WASHINGTON, June 17 - Drafts of a joint statement being prepared for the leaders of the major industrial powers show that the Bush administration has succeeded in removing language calling for prompt action to control global warming.
The statement is being negotiated in advance of the annual Group of 8 summit, which is to be held in Scotland next month. Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain, president of the group this year, has sought to focus the summit on aid to Africa and on climate change.
The statement, first outlined last month by British officials, is meant to reflect the eight countries' shared concerns and plans regarding climate change. Drafts have been batted back and forth since mid-May.
A newly disclosed version, the first showing specifically what changes were sought by the Bush administration, was provided to The New York Times on Friday by someone in Europe involved with shaping the British stance on the issue.
It is dated May 27, and the revisions, many of which are also reflected in a June 14 version, vividly illustrate the broad gulf between the United States and the group's other members: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and Russia.
(More ... G-8 Draft on Global Warming Is Weakened at U.S. Behest - New York Times) ¶ 20:08
