Update on Blair & Schwarzenegger's climate kissypoo

Leaders agree to share technology; carbon-trading system a possibility, not a done deal

Posted by Lisa Hymas at 11:55 PM on 31 Jul 2006

The AP overstated the extent of the climate agreement announced today between British PM Tony Blair and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (and thus Daily Grist overstated it too). Now that the deal's been officially unveiled, a few clarifications:

The two didn't agree to launch a new trans-Atlantic carbon-trading market, though they will look into the possibility. Rather, they said the U.K. and California would cooperate on research into cleaner fuels and technologies. Writes the San Francisco Chronicle, "aspects of the agreement include jointly studying the economic impacts of global climate change, collaborating on technology research -- including studying the effects of California's effort to create a 'hydrogen highway' touted by Schwarzenegger -- and establishing regular exchanges between scientists in both places." Not so bold, but a nice symbolic gesture at least.

Arnold used the occasion to distance himself from Bush:

The message is that we do not wait for the federal government to act. ... We see there is not great leadership by the federal government when it comes to protecting the environment. So that is why as a state, we will move forward because we know it is the right thing to do. It's like stem-cell research. There are many issues like that where I feel that California should lead the way. The White House is not for it. But we are for it. The people of California are for it.

Clearly he hopes this will help him in efforts to out-green his gubernatorial challenger, Democrat Phil Angelides.

(You think I'm joking about the kissypoo? Check out this photo of the two canoodling.)

For story: Update on Blair & Schwarzenegger's climate kissypoo
3 Comments | Post a Comment

Arnie and global warming

Don't be taken in by sour grapes .
We need people who will stand up and take up the reins of leadership in this most important battle of humanity.
Yay for Arnold for standing up .
This is not about politics, religion, tenure, or any other thing that is totally trivial in the Big Picture.
Humanity has dominion over the earth.........If we are too stupid to take care of it...........it will be gone and so will our children or other decendendants down the line.
Our country, if it got it together, could become the 'good guys' again. The People that we used to think we were and lead and/or simply participate wholely in the saving of our home.........planet earth. Our pride, health and economy could certainly benefit from this approach.
Many are doubtful, many are greedy, many are lazy..........well give it up !!!
Good for Arnold!!!

by coveark at 9:16 AM on 01 Aug 2006

where was Bush?

According to the White House official website, it appears that Bush snubbed Blair to attend a business roundtable in South Florida with his younger brother, Gov. Jeb Bush. Also on his schedule was a rah-rah event at a US Coast Gaurd base and a tour of Miami ports.

Good thing their priorities are in order.

by DeSmog Sarah at 1:32 PM on 01 Aug 2006

the feds should terminate global warming too...

While states and cities are stepping up to the plate, the federal government's commitment to fighting climate change seems to be going the way of Mel Gibson's career. Yesterday the Senate approved more oil and gas drilling. On the hottest day of the hottest year ever, Senators OK a bill that will cause more global warming.

Don't let polluters get the last word. Sign up for SNAP at www.newenergychoices.org!

by Matt Painter at 7:13 AM on 02 Aug 2006

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