15 November 2006 - WORLD EXPERT TELLS NATO PARLIAMENTARIANS GLOBAL WARMING CAN BE STOPPED [PRESS COMMUNIQUÉ]

Tony Haymet, Director of SCRIPPS - Institution of Oceanography, said he was optimistic following impressive cuts in CO2 emissions by several European countries, led by Germany and the United Kingdom, following the Kyoto accords.

"There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we take strong action now," he told a meeting of the NATO-PA's Science and Technology Committee in Québec City.

Mr Haymet praised the United Kingdom and Germany for having cut greenhouse gasses by 14.3 percent and 17 percent respectively between 1990 and 2004. "It is not all gloom and despondency. Overall, I am optimistic," he declared.

"Action on climate change is required across all countries… a range of options exists to cut emissions; strong deliberate policy action is required to motivate their take up," he added.

Mr Haymet said he detected a change in attitude among countries, such as Australia, which hitherto had dragged their feet over the issue.

The NATO PA, the parliamentary arm of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), consists of some 248 delegates from 26 member states. Delegates from 13 associate countries and four Mediterranean countries also attend the session.

The 5-day session is focusing on a wide range of issues currently affecting the Transatlantic Alliance, including the future role and relevance of NATO.