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David Ward MP <>
David support Rio Declaration
June 20, 2012 12:49 PM
Bradford MP David Ward has today signed a national declaration supporting the green economy as world leaders begin negotiations at a major United Nations Summit in Brazil.
David signed the Rio-UK Declaration which backs UK delegates, led by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, to play a leading role in the Rio+20 Summit to reduce carbon emissions, protect biodiversity, create jobs and reduce poverty.
The Rio+20 Summit in Rio de Janiero, from June 20 to 22 has been organised to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Earth Summit and is seen as an important milestone to achieving a UN General Assembly resolution on sustainable development.
Commenting David said:
"This summit is so vital for our future. If we want to be able to hand on a fairer, more prosperous planet to our children and grandchildren we need action on a global scale. This summit is a unique opportunity to reach an international agreement to protect the environment for future generations and we cannot afford to miss it.
"I am delighted that the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, is leading the UK's declaration. The Liberal Democrats have long believed that for prosperity to last we must live within our limits, and Nick will be making these points loud and clear in Rio. I know that there are those who say we can't afford to do this at this time. But the truth is we can't afford not to."
The full text of the Rio-UK declaration is:
"The UK should lead the world in the transition to a fair and green economy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity and creating jobs and opportunities to reduce poverty and inequality here and overseas. The Rio+20 summit is an important milestone for this ambition, and the UK should engage constructively, with a view to uniting governments across the world behind a vision for a global green and fair economy which benefits all people.
"We must lead by example at home by delivering on the commitments in our groundbreaking Climate Change Act whilst showing international leadership to increase the EU's 2020 climate targets. At the same time we must help the world's poorest communities adapt to the effects of climate change, invest in getting clean energy to all people, and protect rainforests."