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Video: Tony Blair on the road to Copenhagen at Governor Schwarzenegger's Global Climate Summit 2

Tony Blair at Governor Schwarzenegger's Global Climate Summit 2

Tony Blair talks to Hub Culture green journalist Sarah Backhouse at Governor Schwarzenegger's 'Global Climate Summit 2: on the road to Copenhagen' in Los Angeles.

Earlier in the day Governor Schwarzenegger, Rajendra Pachauri and Tony Blair took part in a panel discussion on opportunities for breaking the climate deadlock. Why is there a deadlock? What are the root causes of the deadlock? What are the conditions needed to break the deadlock? What role do subnational governments play in creating the conditions for breaking the deadlock? What is the definition of success at Copenhagen?

Mr Blair spoke about his "Breaking the Climate Deadlock" initiative, which is a strategic partnership with the international NGO The Climate Group, and is based on the following principles:

The challenge is immense. There is now virtually overwhelming evidence about climate change and its consequences; there remain uncertainties, but the risks of negative and irreversible consequences are clearly high.

The challenge can be met. We can meet approximately 70 percent of the abatement required over the next two decades with existing or near-commercial technologies. There are new technologies that are near to deployment...that... offer the potential for huge reductions in emissions.

The challenge can be met without damaging the economy. There will be major investments, creating jobs and business opportunities, in the move to a new low-carbon economy. For example, over 2 million people are today employed in renewable energy; investment in new environmental technologies rose from $10 billion to $66 billion from 1998 to 2007.

Addressing climate change leads to energy security. Around 50 percent of potential abatement actions - energy efficiency, renewables, biofuels, nuclear - result in increased energy security.

Adaptation will be a necessity, not a choice. Climate change is already occurring and will continue to occur even with strong action.

Waiting is risky and expensive. The science has become more, not less, alarming on the dangers of climate change as time has passed.

Webcasts of the summit events can be found HERE

For more information on the summit click HERE