US, Australia and developing countries

UK MP Stephen Byers, co-chair of the task force with US Republican Senator Olympia Snowe, said: ‘I appreciate that tackling climate change is politically difficult. First, there is a mismatch between the potentially unpopular decisions that need to be taken now and the benefits that will come in the medium and long term. Secondly, no country acting on its own can resolve the issue. Strong international action is vital. The task force, with its diverse membership, has been able to find common ground. Our recommendations are practical, realistic but also challenging.’