46 nations call for new environmental body

PARIS – Forty-five nations joined France in calling for a new environmental body to slow global warming and protect the planet, a body that potentially could have policing powers to punish violators.

Absent were the world’s heavyweight polluter, the United States, and booming nations on the same path as the US, China and India. Saturday’s effort, led by French President Jacques Chirac, came a day after the release of an authoritative, and disturbingly grim, scientific report saying that global warming is “very likely” caused by mankind, and that climate change will continue for centuries even if heat-trapping gases are reduced.It is 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 have said the worst disasters – huge sea level rises and the most catastrophic storms and droughts – may be avoided if strong action is taken soon.”It is our responsibility.The future of humanity demands it,” Chirac said.Without naming the United States, the producer of about one-quarter of the world’s greenhouse gases, Chirac expressed frustration that “some large, rich countries still must be convinced” and were “refusing to accept the consequences of their acts.”So far, it is mostly European nations that have agreed to pursue plans for the new organisation and hold their first meeting in Morocco this spring.Chirac, 74, is seeking to make his mark on international affairs before he leaves office, likely in May, though his own environmental record over 12 years as France’s president is spotty.Former US Vice President Al Gore, whose Oscar-nominated documentary on the perils of global warming has gained worldwide attention, cheered Chirac’s efforts.”We are at a tipping point,” Gore said to the conference by videophone.”We must act, and act swiftly …Such action requires international cooperation.”Scientists and international leaders said the science was now so well-documented that action was clearly the next step.Nampa-APSaturday’s effort, led by French President Jacques Chirac, came a day after the release of an authoritative, and disturbingly grim, scientific report saying that global warming is “very likely” caused by mankind, and that climate change will continue for centuries even if heat-trapping gases are reduced.It is 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 have said the worst disasters – huge sea level rises and the most catastrophic storms and droughts – may be avoided if strong action is taken soon.”It is our responsibility.The future of humanity demands it,” Chirac said. Without naming the United States, the producer of about one-quarter of the world’s greenhouse gases, Chirac expressed frustration that “some large, rich countries still must be convinced” and were “refusing to accept the consequences of their acts.”So far, it is mostly European nations that have agreed to pursue plans for the new organisation and hold their first meeting in Morocco this spring.Chirac, 74, is seeking to make his mark on international affairs before he leaves office, likely in May, though his own environmental record over 12 years as France’s president is spotty.Former US Vice President Al Gore, whose Oscar-nominated documentary on the perils of global warming has gained worldwide attention, cheered Chirac’s efforts.”We are at a tipping point,” Gore said to the conference by videophone.”We must act, and act swiftly …Such action requires international cooperation.”Scientists and international leaders said the science was now so well-documented that action was clearly the next step.Nampa-AP