Dutch and British PMs make climate change appeal

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and his British counterpart Tony Blair have called on Europe to take the lead in efforts to prevent a catastrophic climate change.

The two made the appeal in a letter to EU leaders on the eve of Friday’s informal summit in Finland where energy will be one of the main topics of discussion.

The Dutch and British prime ministers want to expand emission trading rights and increase investments in bio-fuels and wind energy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will also attend the talks in Finland, which will touch upon Russian oil and gas sales to Europe. The European Commission has presented a plan to cut its energy use by 20 percent by 2020.

Source: Radio Netherlands, 20 October 2006