Climate change is not solved by destroying the economies of the Third World
Posted, November 29, 2007 @ 00:00
Recent report revealed goods transported shorter distances can have a higher carbon footprint
Innovation and new technology will solve the climate change issues we face, not holding back the economies of poorer countries, said Conservative International Trade Spokesman Syed Kamall MEP.
International trade helps lift people out of poverty and can be less damaging to the environment than importing goods from countries closer to home.
Conservative MEPs today could not support a report which says international trade has had a negative effect on the environment and calls for stringent measures, including a ban on relocation of industry to poorer countries, to be implemented.
A report commissioned by Sainsbury's and World Flowers earlier this year showed carbon emissions from Kenyan roses, including air freight, were 5.8 times lower than for Dutch roses. Emissions generated from growing, packing, cooling and transport of the roses to Hampshire were compared to those from Holland, where artificial light and heat is needed.
Mr Kamall said: "You do not solve the issue of climate change by destroying the economies of poorer nations. Increased trade with these countries will help lift people out of poverty around the world.
"The answers lie in innovation and new technology. If we pull up the protectionist drawbridge to poorer nations, they will never be able to grow their economies and find innovative solutions to their environmental challenges."