Launch of breaking the climate deadlock

1300hrs Japan Standard time - 27th June, Tokyo, JapanShortly after a private meeting with Prime Minister Fukuda, at 1pm standard Japanese time, Rt Hon Tony Blair launched his report – Breaking the Climate Deadlock: A Global Deal for a Low Carbon Future.

Steve Howard, CEO of The Climate Group, introduced the Breaking the Climate Deadlock initiative by explaining how The Climate Group was delighted when Mr Blair asked for help on this process and to convene on his behalf a group of global experts, and engage business leaders and politicians; and to help layout the key elements of a global deal under his direction.

For the first time this report lays out a clear case for action, the ten key elements of a global deal and a process for reaching agreement – written for world leaders from a leader's perspective.

Mr Blair in his remarks made clear that there is a huge challenge in reversing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions at a time when they are growing rapidly in much of the world. But he also made it clear that a deal is possible.

He made a clear call for this year's G8, meeting in Japan in a few day's time, to set a global target of halving emissions by 2050 and by agreeing to a process to make significant progress by next year's G8 in Italy.

Mr Blair also talked about the central role of business in delivering a low carbon economy.

Steve Howard, CEO The Climate Group said" We believe that business can deliver clear green technology that we need – but only with the right government support. This is not truly a technology challenge – it is a political challenge."