1 August 2006
Britain and California are to work together to tackle climate change under a deal signed by Tony Blair.
The UK and California will co-operate on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting new clean fuel technologies as part of the deal.
They will also "share experiences" and "find new solutions" to address climate change and promote energy diversity.
The "mission statement" comes after talks in Long Beach between California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sir Richard Branson and BP boss Lord Browne. Business leaders also committed to tackle climate change, describing it as a "global priority".
As the world’s 7th largest economy, California emissions are significant. It was the 12th largest source of climate change emissions in the world in 2005, close to G8 countries such as Canada, Italy and France.
Tony Blair said in a press conference following the talks that "we are at least on our way to putting in place the framework that will resolve this problem."
"There couldn’t be anything more important for our children and for the generations to come, and it is a very heavy responsibility we have at this time, knowing what we now know with the science as certain as it is, we have to act and that is the purpose of what we are doing today."
- Read the Press Conference
- Read opening remarks at the round table discussion
- Read the agreement from business leaders, pdf 122kbs
Later tonight, the Prime Minister will be giving a major speech on the Middle East to the World Affairs Council in Los Angeles.
The World Affairs Council has hosted presidents and kings, including John F. Kennedy, George H.W. Bush, and King Abdullah of Jordan, as well as Prince Charles and the Dalai Lama. Speakers address global issues and how they relate to California.
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