UK Vows To Push Bush On Climate Policy

[hatrack]

BERLIN — Britain hopes it can exert influence on reelected President George W. Bush and push the United States to do more to combat climate change, the British government's chief scientist said on Thursday.

EDIT

Speaking on the sidelines of a British-German conference on climate change in Berlin, the British government's chief scientific adviser David King said London was looking to take advantage of its close relationship with Washington as the Bush administration prepared for its second four-year term.

"What I can say is that we are looking for advantages in the present situation," King said. "We'll be in there very quickly discussing these issues with them prior to our G8 presidency. I think we can feel quite optimisitic about that."

EDIT

King said he was encouraged by comments over the summer by Jack Marburger, Bush's chief scientific adviser, and by Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham. "It's very, very significant the statements that emerged from the U.S. administration over the summer ... stating that they fully accept the scientific arguments for climate change and are keen to play a leadership role," King said. "So far we've been focusing on Russia. Clearly now the spotlight is going to move."

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Whatever.

http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=313

[phantom power]

1. I wouldn't hold my breath over there, Dave.

Bush is now fully infused with "political capital", which apparently renders him all-powerful and bullet-proof.