Giant Eyes float over ’Climate Conference’ as Greenpeace tell Governments they are being watched

Vienna, International — At the start of key UN climate talks on the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol (1) Greenpeace warned governments the world is watching, and expects serious progress on climate protection. Delegates were greeted by Greenpeace volunteers bearing gifts and a 4 metre high balloon with a pair of giant eyes, carrying the message “Save the Climate Now.”

Around 1,000 representatives from governments, industry, environmental groups and research institutions, will attend the Vienna meeting. The conference will see industrialised countries start to negotiate the next round of their Kyoto commitments. Discussions on broadening the UN Climate Convention will also take place. The meeting is a precursor to major talks in Bali, Indonesia this December, where governments are expected to agree a framework for the next two years of negotiations on greenhouse gas emissions.

“What happens today in Vienna will set the stage for the Bali negotiations. Greenpeace demands clear progress towards strengthening the Kyoto Protocol for its second phase, which begins in 2013”, said Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Stephanie Tunmore "These small meetings often fly under the radar, but 2007 is such a crucial year for climate negotiations that everyone must take notice.

“The Bali meeting will determine whether the world is on the right path to protect people and the planet from the greatest threat humanity has ever faced - climate change. Without real action to reduce emissions and keep global mean temperature rise well below 2°C, compared to pre-industrial levels, billions of people across the world will suffer more extreme weather, water crises, and increased hunger and millions will become climate refugees”.

To keep global average temperature rise as far below 2ºC as possible and for governments to honour their 15 year old commitments to avoid dangerous climate change, Greenpeace is calling for cuts of:

At least -50% globally by 2050, with a 1990 base year

At least -30% by developed countries by 2020, with a 1990 base year

At least -80% for developed countries by 2050, with a 1990 base year

“Despite increasingly alarming reports about the rate and extent of climate change, we have seen very little real movement by governments to take the necessary steps to mitigate it. In Vienna we need to see action that matches the urgency of the climate crisis and sets us firmly on the road to a strong agreement on climate protection in Bali,” added Tunmore.