Bush Climate Speech - World Reactions

With much fanfare, President George Bush gave a recent speech announcing new commitments by the United States towards the prevention of climate change.

The speech was widely covered here on Green Options and in the general media, with many feeling that this was a case of too little, too late.

Of course, this was not particularly surprising, and few people were gearing themselves up for the potential announcement of a dramatic change in policy. But what has been interesting is the unprecedented criticism from world leaders disappointed with the lack of US commitment:

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Germany were particularly critical, German Environment Minister being quoted saying: “[Bush is] lagging hopelessly behind the problems with his proposals … [his speech] does not do justice to the global challenge. His speech follows the motto: ‘losership instead of leadership,’ … We are glad that there are other voices in the U.S.A.”

U.N. Secretary Yvo De Boer was a little more measured: “It’s not clear how the Bush plan would fit in with the goals set out by scientists … But for now, it’s good there is a proposal on the table from the U.S. Let’s see where this goes.”

European Union president Stavros Dimas warned that the proposals “will not contribute to the fight against climate change. Time is running out and we have the duty to reach an agreement in Copenhagen in 2009″. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the EU environment commission added: “This does not match with the level of ambition needed on the part of developed countries, considering their responsibilities in the challenge we face “

From further afield, South African Environment and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk flatly refused to accept the US proposals: “There is no way whatsoever that we can agree to what the US is proposing”, describing the Bush Administration as “isolated” on this issue.

Finally, Se Wei, Chinese delegate at the Paris Climate talks described the proposal as simply “not enough”.

Meanwhile, emissions continue to rise..

Photo courtesy of Flickr. With thanks to ClimateIntel.

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