Copenhagen sends worrying signal

Mike Weir MP, the SNP's Westminster Environment Spokesperson and a member of the Westminster Energy and Climate Change select committee, expressed deep disappointment at the outcome of the summit.

He said:

“Leaders around the world have spent the last few years telling us that climate change was the major issue facing the world, yet when they had the chance to take concrete action they spectacularly failed to do so.

“The failure to agree a concrete timescale for an agreement, let alone a legally binding agreement on targets sends a very worrying signal to the peoples of the world.

“How many will now conclude that if after all the rhetoric no real action is taken then climate change is perhaps not so urgent? There is now a real danger that the momentum built up will be dissipated and yet more valuable time will be lost.”

Mr Weir also expressed concern that pressure could build up to row back on already agreed measures.

“Given the failure to make real progress there is likely to be pressure for some members of the European Union to scale back the targets already set to reduce emissions. If that happens it could lead to real disaster.”

“It is vital that we redouble efforts to reach a legally binding agreement that will see real reductions in emissions worldwide.”