After losing a court battle, anti-G8 campaigners are planning more protests, including sit-down blockades, as world leaders arrive for the summit. US President Bush met protests when his plane touched down Wednesday. Protesters, who lost a last-ditch bid Tuesday for court permission to march close to this week's G8 summit, prepared in Germany to mount sit-down protest to block roads when the three-day event begins Wednesday. Attac, a European group that believes globalization is dangerous and is leading the protests, said Tuesday it was not organizing sit-downs and did not belong to Block G8, a group overseeing a planned "blockade," but knew many Attac members would be taking part. It said taking part in a sit-down was a misdemeanor, not a felony, and insisted German police only use "proportionate" force to clear sit-downs and avoid injuring anyone while doing so. Road-block organizers promised Tuesday they would ask peaceful demonstrators to abandon any blockade if the Black Block, an informal network of violence-prone militants who don black clothing and masks and congregate in the marches, took over and the incident turned into a violent confrontation.
Protesters, who lost a last-ditch bid Tuesday for court permission to march close to this week's G8 summit, prepared in Germany to mount sit-down protest to block roads when the three-day event begins Wednesday.
Attac, a European group that believes globalization is dangerous and is leading the protests, said Tuesday it was not organizing sit-downs and did not belong to Block G8, a group overseeing a planned "blockade," but knew many Attac members would be taking part.
It said taking part in a sit-down was a misdemeanor, not a felony, and insisted German police only use "proportionate" force to clear sit-downs and avoid injuring anyone while doing so.
Road-block organizers promised Tuesday they would ask peaceful demonstrators to abandon any blockade if the Black Block, an informal network of violence-prone militants who don black clothing and masks and congregate in the marches, took over and the incident turned into a violent confrontation.
On the eve of his last G8 meeting, Tony Blair has made a last-ditch appeal to President Bush to repay Britain's loyalty over Iraq Tony Blair will make a final appeal to George Bush to repay his loyal support over Iraq by signing up to a firm global target to cut carbon emissions at the G8 summit in Germany starting today. Three weeks before he stands down as Prime Minister, Mr Blair will join forces with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, in an attempt to secure a breakthrough in the battle against climate change. They will press a reluctant US president to agree that the world should cut carbon emissions by 50 per cent from 1990 levels by 2050. Such an outcome from the last international gathering that Mr Blair will attend with President Bush would at last allow him to answer critics who claim he has got little in return for his "shoulder to shoulder" support for the US President, notably on Iraq and other issues related to the "war on terror". At the summit in Heiligendamm, the Prime Minister will also try to cement another element of his much-vaunted "legacy" - the G8's commitment at the Gleneagles summit two years ago to boost aid to the developing world by $50bn (£26bn) a year by 2010, with half going to Africa. But there are growing fears that countries such as Italy and Canada are backsliding on their commitments. Frantic last-minute talks involving officials from the G8 leading industrial nations took place in Berlin yesterday but the final shape of the crucial decisions will probably go "up to the wire" at the leaders' meeting, which ends on Friday. UK officials said tough negotations lay ahead on global warming and Africa.
Tony Blair will make a final appeal to George Bush to repay his loyal support over Iraq by signing up to a firm global target to cut carbon emissions at the G8 summit in Germany starting today.
Three weeks before he stands down as Prime Minister, Mr Blair will join forces with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, in an attempt to secure a breakthrough in the battle against climate change. They will press a reluctant US president to agree that the world should cut carbon emissions by 50 per cent from 1990 levels by 2050.
Such an outcome from the last international gathering that Mr Blair will attend with President Bush would at last allow him to answer critics who claim he has got little in return for his "shoulder to shoulder" support for the US President, notably on Iraq and other issues related to the "war on terror".
At the summit in Heiligendamm, the Prime Minister will also try to cement another element of his much-vaunted "legacy" - the G8's commitment at the Gleneagles summit two years ago to boost aid to the developing world by $50bn (£26bn) a year by 2010, with half going to Africa. But there are growing fears that countries such as Italy and Canada are backsliding on their commitments. Frantic last-minute talks involving officials from the G8 leading industrial nations took place in Berlin yesterday but the final shape of the crucial decisions will probably go "up to the wire" at the leaders' meeting, which ends on Friday. UK officials said tough negotations lay ahead on global warming and Africa.
(AP) The United States is drastically scaling back efforts to measure global warming from space, just as President George W. Bush tries to convince the world America is ready to take the lead in reducing greenhouse gases. A confidential report to the White House, obtained by The Associated Press, warns that U.S. scientists will soon lose much of their ability to monitor warming from space using a costly and problem-plagued satellite initiative begun more than a decade ago. Because of technology glitches and a near-doubling in the original $6.5 billion cost, the Defense Department has decided to downsize and launch four satellites paired into two orbits, instead of six satellites and three orbits. The satellites were intended to gather weather and climate data, replacing existing satellites as they come to the end of their useful lifetimes beginning in the next couple of years.
Are they so obsessed with keeping the money?
You still have to ask? In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
right?
I can persuade George Bush on climate change - Blair | Climate change | Guardian Unlimited Environment
Tony Blair insisted yesterday that he could persuade President Bush to agree for the first time to a global target for a "substantial cut" in greenhouse gases within a framework sanctioned by the United Nations.In an interview with the Guardian on the eve of the G8 summit, the prime minister said both elusive goals were now achievable and that America was "on the move" in its position on climate change.Although Mr Blair said it would take tough negotiations over the next three days and it was still unclear exactly what the president would agree to, he was sure Mr Bush's speech last week, in which he talked about establishing a US-led initiative to tackle global warming, was not a ploy to undermine the UN or the G8.
In an interview with the Guardian on the eve of the G8 summit, the prime minister said both elusive goals were now achievable and that America was "on the move" in its position on climate change.
Although Mr Blair said it would take tough negotiations over the next three days and it was still unclear exactly what the president would agree to, he was sure Mr Bush's speech last week, in which he talked about establishing a US-led initiative to tackle global warming, was not a ploy to undermine the UN or the G8.
For Tony all I can do is repeat Oliver Cromwell
You have sat too long for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!
</snooty geologist talk>
It's very annoying when yournalists write "not even the oldest people around remember something like this". I once saw someone make a nasty retort about dementia. Can the last politician to go out the revolving door please turn the lights off?
Media time and geological time are largely unrelated.
Honestly I can't see any relation whatsoever. The media is all about the now. In geology the now hardly matters because its one single mote of dust in the sandstorm.
But mostly - no, you're right.
I almost feel sorry for Blair. Can the last politician to go out the revolving door please turn the lights off?
('em' is for emphasis) Can the last politician to go out the revolving door please turn the lights off?
Since the G7/8 summits started at Rambouillet in France in 1975, the number of commitments has grown enormously. That first meeting had 14 while last years's had 317 ranging over more than 40 issues. The most comprehensive tracking of how well countries comply with promises is done by the G8 Research Group of the University of Toronto. The results can make gloomy reading with Italy, Japan, and especially Russia, often the worst offenders. Article continues St Petersburg 2006The summit concentrated on energy security, health and education. Analysis shows that G8 countries have done less work to put into practice what they preached in Russia than at any time since 2002. From 20 issues, ranging from the battle against polio to fighting transnational crime, the best performers were the UK, the US and Canada, all level pegging, followed by Germany, Russia, France, Japan and Italy. There was high compliance on renewable energy, African debt and terrorism but the annual developing world's gripe about trade seems justified: this comes third from the bottom of the list.Gleneagles 2005The summit in which Tony Blair showcased climate change and the predicament of Africa. Twenty-one priority commitments were made, and more than 65% were complied with. The UK came out with 95%, but the Toronto analysis points out that host countries tend to have higher marks. Seven of the 21 commitments at Gleneagles were assessed as having a perfect compliance score although the list shows how transitory progress in some areas can be: renewable energy, relief for Africa, Middle East reform, trans-national crime, terrorism, non-proliferation and assistance for tsunami relief efforts.
Article continues St Petersburg 2006
The summit concentrated on energy security, health and education. Analysis shows that G8 countries have done less work to put into practice what they preached in Russia than at any time since 2002. From 20 issues, ranging from the battle against polio to fighting transnational crime, the best performers were the UK, the US and Canada, all level pegging, followed by Germany, Russia, France, Japan and Italy. There was high compliance on renewable energy, African debt and terrorism but the annual developing world's gripe about trade seems justified: this comes third from the bottom of the list.
Gleneagles 2005
The summit in which Tony Blair showcased climate change and the predicament of Africa. Twenty-one priority commitments were made, and more than 65% were complied with. The UK came out with 95%, but the Toronto analysis points out that host countries tend to have higher marks. Seven of the 21 commitments at Gleneagles were assessed as having a perfect compliance score although the list shows how transitory progress in some areas can be: renewable energy, relief for Africa, Middle East reform, trans-national crime, terrorism, non-proliferation and assistance for tsunami relief efforts.
While leaders of rich nations gather for the G8 powwow in northeast Germany, a few miles away anti-G8 campaigners are staging their own parallel meeting -- an alternate G8 summit. An alternative to the G8 summit of the world's leading industrial nations got under way Tuesday with debates on the environment, racism, war and social affairs. Thousands of people are expected to attend the three-day gathering organized by advocacy groups, relief organizations, trade unions and anti-globalization activists, including the NGO Oxfam, the Attac movement and the powerful German trade union IG Metall.
An alternative to the G8 summit of the world's leading industrial nations got under way Tuesday with debates on the environment, racism, war and social affairs.
Thousands of people are expected to attend the three-day gathering organized by advocacy groups, relief organizations, trade unions and anti-globalization activists, including the NGO Oxfam, the Attac movement and the powerful German trade union IG Metall.
06. Juni 2007 Die Kritiker der Globalisierung haben prominente Unterstützung aus dem konservativen Lager bekommen: Der frühere CDU-Generalsekretär Heiner Geißler trat der Organisation ,,Attac" bei. Im F.A.Z.-Interview spricht er über Gewalt und Betonköpfe.Herr Geißler, freuen Sie sich, dass morgen der G-8-Gipfel beginnt? Das ist ein Grund zur Sorge, denn die wichtigen Tagesordnungspunkte der Kanzlerin werden wohl nicht zu Beschlüssen für politisches Handeln führen.Sie wollen Beschlüsse und fürchten also nicht, dass sich acht Staaten zur illegitimen Weltregierung aufschwingen? Nein. Unser Wirtschaftssystem ist überholt, die Kapitalinteressen dominieren einseitig die Welt. Wenn man wie Ludwig Erhard geordneten Wettbewerb will, braucht man, solange es keine Weltregierung gibt, multilaterale Abkommen.Sie sind kürzlich Attac beigetreten. Könnte das Netzwerk ohne G-8-Gipfel überhaupt auf seine Anliegen aufmerksam machen? Mehr als hundert Organisationen von Greenpeace bis Pax Christi, vor allem aber auch Attac haben die G-8-Treffen gegenüber 1975 gewaltig verändert. Die reichen Länder wurden durch die Proteste sensibilisiert. Die Bundesregierung oder wenigstens die Kanzlerin hat erkannt, dass die friedlichen Demonstranten ihre Bundesgenossen sind. [...] Sie glauben nicht, dass Sie Ihrer Parteivorsitzenden, der gastgebenden Bundeskanzlerin, in den Rücken fallen? Das Gegenteil ist der Fall. Die Demonstrationen können der Kanzlerin nützen, auch wenn einige Betonköpfe dies nicht kapieren. 06. June 2007 Critics of globalization have received prominent support from the conservative camp: former CDU secretary-general Heiner Geißler has joined Attac. In an F.A.Z.-Interview he talks about violence and die-hard reactionaries.Mr. Geißler, are you pleased that the G8 summit begins tomorrow?It is a reason for concern, because the chancellor's important agenda items will not lead to resolutions for political action.So you want resolutions and are not afraid that the eight nations could constitute themselves as an illegitimate world government? No. Our economic system is outmoded, the interests of capital exclusively dominate the world. If we want regulated competition, like Ludwig Erhard, we need multilateral agreements as long as there is no world government.You recently joined Attac. Could this network gain attention for its goals at all without the G8 summit?Over a hundred organizations, from Greenpeace to Pax Christi, but above all Attac, have changed the G8 meetings considerably compared to 1975. The rich nations have been sensitized by the protests. The German government, or at least the chancellor, recognizes that the peaceful demonstrators are their allies. [...] And you don't believe that you are stabbing your party chairwoman, the chancellor hosting this event, in the back? The opposite is true. The demonstrators can be useful for the chancellor, even if a few die-hard reactionaries don't get it.
Herr Geißler, freuen Sie sich, dass morgen der G-8-Gipfel beginnt?
Das ist ein Grund zur Sorge, denn die wichtigen Tagesordnungspunkte der Kanzlerin werden wohl nicht zu Beschlüssen für politisches Handeln führen.
Sie wollen Beschlüsse und fürchten also nicht, dass sich acht Staaten zur illegitimen Weltregierung aufschwingen?
Nein. Unser Wirtschaftssystem ist überholt, die Kapitalinteressen dominieren einseitig die Welt. Wenn man wie Ludwig Erhard geordneten Wettbewerb will, braucht man, solange es keine Weltregierung gibt, multilaterale Abkommen.
Sie sind kürzlich Attac beigetreten. Könnte das Netzwerk ohne G-8-Gipfel überhaupt auf seine Anliegen aufmerksam machen?
Mehr als hundert Organisationen von Greenpeace bis Pax Christi, vor allem aber auch Attac haben die G-8-Treffen gegenüber 1975 gewaltig verändert. Die reichen Länder wurden durch die Proteste sensibilisiert. Die Bundesregierung oder wenigstens die Kanzlerin hat erkannt, dass die friedlichen Demonstranten ihre Bundesgenossen sind.
[...]
Sie glauben nicht, dass Sie Ihrer Parteivorsitzenden, der gastgebenden Bundeskanzlerin, in den Rücken fallen?
Das Gegenteil ist der Fall. Die Demonstrationen können der Kanzlerin nützen, auch wenn einige Betonköpfe dies nicht kapieren.
Mr. Geißler, are you pleased that the G8 summit begins tomorrow?
It is a reason for concern, because the chancellor's important agenda items will not lead to resolutions for political action.
So you want resolutions and are not afraid that the eight nations could constitute themselves as an illegitimate world government?
No. Our economic system is outmoded, the interests of capital exclusively dominate the world. If we want regulated competition, like Ludwig Erhard, we need multilateral agreements as long as there is no world government.
You recently joined Attac. Could this network gain attention for its goals at all without the G8 summit?
Over a hundred organizations, from Greenpeace to Pax Christi, but above all Attac, have changed the G8 meetings considerably compared to 1975. The rich nations have been sensitized by the protests. The German government, or at least the chancellor, recognizes that the peaceful demonstrators are their allies.
And you don't believe that you are stabbing your party chairwoman, the chancellor hosting this event, in the back?
The opposite is true. The demonstrators can be useful for the chancellor, even if a few die-hard reactionaries don't get it.
By way of context, here is Germany's most staunchly pro-business conservative news outlet granting Helmut Kohl's pitbull a forum for criticizing global capitalism. The mind boggles. "Ideas or the lack of them can cause disease." - Kurt Vonnegut
