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I think that: Actions are required to reduce high and rising concentrations of emissions of CO2, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere. Britain should lead the world in both action and getting all the parties together. We have been at the forefront of chnage before and we must do it again
Because: As the Gleneagles Declaration admits, the UK and richer countries have a particular responsibility to take action. The CO2 stocks in the Earth’s atmosphere originated overwhelmingly in the rich world and rich countries still account for the bulk of emissions. Although developing countries are ‘catching up’ on an aggregate level, they are much further back on a per capita basis. Finally, richer countries are best placed and best resourced to make a difference including through support for technology and changes in policies in developing countries, who will otherwise in the future be the largest emitters. For Britain, climate change threatens direct damage through higher sea levels, more extreme weather and disruptions to ocean currents. Indirectly Britain will suffer from the overseas effects of climate change, such as increased pressure for migration and increased conflicts over scarce resources. Far more devastating still will be the effects of climate change – some already being felt – on the UK’s development partners.
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