Quid pro no
a much-hyped meeting between uk prime minister Tony Blair and us president George W Bush on June 7, 2005, in Washington, usa, once again revealed Bush's hard line on climate change. The meeting was projected by Blair as an attempt to persuade Bush to soften his stance on debt relief for Africa and decisive action on climate change. It drew increased significance due to its timing: just a few days before the g8 annual meeting, which has climate change as a key agenda item. But Blair's strategy of using his government's support for the us -led invasion on Iraq to win Bush's compliance failed. "In terms of climate change, I've always said it's a serious long-term issue that needs to be dealt with,' Bush said, adding: "But many are pressing for restrictions too severe.'
Blair also discussed climate change with a bipartisan group of senators. Towards the end of the hour-long meeting, senator Thomas R Carper told him he had the best chance of persuading Bush to embrace mandatory carbon dioxide emission cuts. "More than anyone sitting around this breakfast table, our president owes you a great deal,' Carper said, adding: "I would not be shy about reminding him of that fact.' But the plan didn't work. Individual g 8 members, except the us, have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, a global treaty to fight climate change. This is why Blair, who currently heads the g 8, is