DAILY STATEMENT: IUCN calls for G8 action on climate change and biodiversity in EU overseas entities

THE LATEST – As the Conference on Climate Change and Biodiversity in EU Overseas Entities continues on Reunion Island, IUCN is sending a clear message to world leaders gathering in Hokkaido, Japan for the G8 summit - the G8 must take action on climate change in EU overseas entities. By adopting binding emission reduction targets and investing in an energy revolution based on real solutions the G8 will be able to effectively tackle the impacts of climate change from Greenland to Tahiti.

THE QUOTE – “So far it’s been a case of too little too late from G8 countries when it comes to taking action on climate change and biodiversity on islands,” says IUCN Director General Julia Marton-Lefevre. “But with four of the G8’s members coming from EU States they have a responsibility to tackle the problem right on their door step. We’re clearly telling the G8 that to preserve the natural wealth of EU overseas entities and other islands in these regions a substantial investment must be made to fight the already apparent impacts of climate change.”