46 Nations Back New Environmental Body

Catherine · **Posted:** Sat Feb 03, 2007 7:17 pm

46 Nations Back New Environmental Body

By ANGELA CHARLTON and SETH BORENSTEIN
Associated Press Writers

February 03,2007 | PARIS -- Forty-five nations answered France's call Saturday for a new environmental body to slow inevitable global warming and protect the planet, perhaps with policing powers to punish violators.

Absent were the world's heavyweight polluter, the United States, and booming nations on the same path as the U.S. -- China and India.

The charge led by French President Jacques Chirac came a day after the release of an authoritative -- and disturbingly grim -- scientific report in Paris that said global warming is "very likely" caused by mankind and that climate change will continue for centuries even if heat-trapping gases are reduced. It was the strongest language ever used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, whose last report was issued in 2001.

The document, a collaboration of hundreds of scientists and government officials, was approved by 113 nations, including the United States.

Despite the report's dire outlook, most scientists say the worst disasters -- huge sea level rises and the most catastrophic storms and droughts -- may be avoided if strong action is taken soon.

READ MORE HERE

lefty · **Posted:** Sat Feb 03, 2007 10:15 pm

I can appreciate the significance of this report, but I still find it disturbing that the best thing they can say is "very likey"...kinda disappointing.

Catherine · **Posted:** Sun Feb 04, 2007 8:14 am

Truthdig tips its hat this week to the U.S. government scientist who braved certain backlash from the Bush White House for pushing through the most authoritative report yet on the dangers of global warming.

READ ABOUT DR. SUSAN SOLOMON

Quote:

“There can be no question that the increase in greenhouse gases are dominated by human activities,” Solomon told the AP.

“We can be very confident that the net effect of human activity since 1750 has been one of warming,” she told delegates in Paris.

Thanks, Dr. Solomon. We need more like you.

46 Nations Back New Environmental Body

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