January 29 2008BP'S former chief executive, Lord Browne of Madingley, has called for the creation of an international climate agency with the power to force national governments to tackle carbon emissions.
In a speech last night, he said the agency was essential to help deal with two of the greatest challenges mankind has faced - energy security and climate change.
Lord Browne said that in an uncertain world of competing interests it was necessary to have "fixed points" to navigate the "swirling currents" and Europe, which has taken the lead on trying to tackle CO2 pollution, "has the credibility to be a leader in international negotiations".
Lord Browne positioned BP as a "green" company long before it became fashionable.
Now the managing partner in Europe for Riverstone, which invests in power and energy projects, the former BP boss returned to the green theme in a keynote lecture at the European Business School, in London.
Europe needed a common energy policy, he said, but this should include a "stronger, more flexible and cross-border electricity grid [which] would make the delivery of power in Europe far more efficient, reducing overall consumption and lowering costs." He criticised the lack of "clear, unbiased data" on energy matters and "cumbersome planning laws" within Europe. "Common standards will be critical," Lord Browne said.
Europe's lead on climate change will be key in persuading the rest of the world. "As a global first mover on climate change targets, the EU has the credibility to be a leader in international negotiations...
"This is critical. I believe addressing climate change will be impossible without a new international climate change agency: an organisation with the power to lay down and enforce terms on national governments," he said. More >>>
