Free Churches condemn failure to reach climate deal

The Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches havecondemned the world's richest countries for failing to reach abinding agreement at the Copenhagen climate change summit.

The Free Churches have been arguing that, as the world's biggestcarbon emitters, developed countries have a moral responsibility totake the lead in agreeing a new deal to counter global warming whenthe Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. "The failure by negotiators atthe climate talks in Copenhagen to agree to cut carbon emissions by40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, after two weeks ofnegotiations, represents an immense set-back for rich and poorcountries alike," said the Revd John Marsh, moderator of thegeneral assembly of the United Reformed Church.

"History will judge our generation harshly for failing to act onthe clear scientific evidence for global warming linked to humanactivity," he added. "We therefore urge the British government tocontinue exerting pressure on all key players to agree thenecessary cuts in emissions to reduce the risk of globaltemperatures rising above 2 degrees."

The Revd Graham Sparkes, head of Faith and Unity at the BaptistUnion of Great Britain, said: "No doubt people will point thefinger of blame in many different directions. But the fact is thatthose who will suffer most have no voice and no political power.They are the poorest in our world, and are least equipped to dealwith the catastrophic effects of climate change."

Steve Hucklesby, policy adviser for the Methodist Church, said:"The reality is that the US, Europe, Australia and some others areemitting a great deal more greenhouse gases than our eco-system cansustain. The science is clear; we know what needs to done toprevent catastrophic climate change. There is no realisticalternative to a strong international treaty that commits developednation states to deep cuts in emissions."