Britain and California have signed a series of agreements creating programs to help citizens of both address the causes and consequences of climate change, Prime Minister Tony Blair and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Monday. Blair appeared with Schwarzenegger, BP chief executive John Browne and Virgin CEO Richard Branson at a conference in Los Angeles. A mission statement of collaboration signed by both Blair and Schwarzenegger said Britain and California will “commit to urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote low carbon technologies.” “California and the UK recognize the linkages between climate change, energy security, human health and robust economic growth,” the statement said. “Working together, California and the UK commit to build upon current efforts, share experiences, find new solutions and work to educate the public on the need for aggressive action to address climate change and promote energy diversity.” Blair's spokesman dismissed suggestions that Britain was circumventing the U.S. federal government by working with California. He said the UK-California agreement represented an interest in clean energy technologies and greater efficiency also favored by the Bush administration. The hope of Monday's signing statement and conference is to show consumers and the marketplace that the UK and California governments are ready to support the development of alternative energy platforms, the spokesman said. “Governments can send clear, credible and long-term signals to the market which will enable companies to develop the technologies that will result in cleaner, more energy efficient technology,” he said.
