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11th Annual Conference in London, 13th and 14th November 2006 |
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Exploring world issues The 11th annual conference of the German-British Forum explored worldwide issues ranging from global warming and the crisis in Africa to Europe’s dependence on Russian energy and differences in Indian and Chinese development. |
Harold James, William Wright, George Soros & Bernd Pfaffenbach |
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Soros upbeat on climate change after US elections “The US must take the lead in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The midterm elections could spark a shift in US climate change policy, which would be backed by business. The elections will accelerate trends on carbon change legislation. US business would rather see a change in environmental legislation with the Republicans in the White House than under the Democrats.” |
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Soros calls for China, India action “There is no way we can put pressure on China and India to join the effort unless the US takes meaningful measures at home. Then I think that India and China would follow suit. I was convinced by Al Gore on climate change in 2004.” Soros says Europe too reliant on Russia “Europe’s dependence on Russian gas is excessive and creates a supply problem. Russia is seeking to establish itself as petrol and gas superpower.” Soros calls for US leadership on Middle East “US policies on Iraq have led to a disaster. Without American leadership, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could deteriorate to the same extent.” Click here for Film extract / Text highlights of The Globalisation Debate |
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Peixin underlines neighbourly relations with India
H. E. Zha Peixin, Chinese Ambassador to the UK “India, China and Europe should more than ever strengthen their cooperation. Good neighbourly relations between India and China are crucial to this. Destabilising factors are on the rise. But differences and disputes should not stand in the way of cooperation.” More |
German State Secretary urges 'responsible' policies Georg Boomgaarden, State Secretary, German Ministry for Foreign Affairs “China is starting to secure energy supplies in Africa through unconventional lending. China needs to adopt responsible policies on Africa. China needs stable partners, not unstable regimes not held in repute by the international community.” |
 Redwood urges price mechanism for energy saving
Rt. Hon. John Redwood MP, chairman, Concentric plc “If governments want to control carbon, this should be done by the market mechanism. A 200% increase in petrol prices at the pump would help fuel efficient cars. Dearer carbon pricing would lead to an acceleration in energy saving. The government already raises enough tax.” |
Chun Lin points to China’s green agenda
Dr. Chun Lin. Lecturer in Comparative Politics, London School of Economics “China has to tackle poverty reduction, corruption, reducing greenhouse gases and assuring energy resources. There is a growing green agenda. Africa is not a permanent solution to China's energy constraint. Sustainability is not merely economic but political.” More |
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