"Business call for plan on climate
Global businesses have called for a legally binding and comprehensive international deal on climate change. A binding agreement on emissions reductions would encourage business to invest in low-carbon technologies, a statement from 150 businesses said.

The statement - backed by Prince Charles - will be sent to environment ministers and heads of state ahead of talks in Bali on climate change. Nokia, Tesco, Lloyds TSB and Nike are among the 150 firms that made the call. The signatories represent companies from Europe, the US, China and Australia."

This comes as quite a surprise to me - is it all just hot air?

"The signs from America are that the business leaders will be rebuffed while President George W Bush is still in charge. The US head of climate policy has confirmed to the BBC's Environment Analyst that the White House will not agree to binding international emissions cuts during the UN's climate negotiations. James Connaughton said the US favoured national and sectoral policies - not a one-size-fits-all international target. He said the US would continue to increase the carbon efficiency of its economy but he could not foresee the day when America would stop its growth in greenhouse gas emissions."

So the USA, or much more accurately, the Bush administration is playing the same old tune and basically doesn't give a damn about global warming. Now, isn't that a surprise? My advice to industry - at least those who want to do something positive - ignore that lame duck administration and go your own way.

BBC NEWS | Business | Business call for plan on climate

Technorati tags: climate global warming industry Prince Charles Bush administration

"US rejects German G8 climate goal
Washington says it will not agree to a deal on slashing greenhouse gas emissions at the G8 summit in Germany. A top US climate official [briefly removed his head from the sand and] said the G8 should not dictate members' policies..."

Well, what a surprise - not.

BBC NEWS | World | Europe | US rejects German G8 climate goal

Technorati tags: climate Bush G8 Washingon greenhouse gas CO2 emissions

"US urges new greenhouse gas goals
US President George W Bush has urged countries to agree on long-term goals for greenhouse gas emissions."

Sorry - who? I thought for one moment, you said George W Bush...

"He said he would hold meetings bringing together the US and 14 other major emitters, including developing nations, to set targets by the end of 2008."

You're sure you're talking about the right guy here?

"BBC environment analyst Roger Harrabin says Mr Bush's speech was short on details, and White House aides have made clear Mr Bush will oppose demands for the US to cut emissions and join a global carbon trading system."

So what does this mean, exactly? That he just wants other countries to reduce their emissions?

"In his speech on Thursday in Washington, Mr Bush said his administration took climate change seriously."

Can anyone say "U turn"? The only thing the administration has been doing to date in relation to climate change is trying to deny that its happening.

BBC NEWS | World | Americas | US urges new greenhouse gas goals

Technorati tags: Bush climate emissions G8