Today's call by over 150 business leaders from around the world [1] calling for a comprehensive, legally-binding UN framework to tackle climate change has been warmly welcomed by Friends of the Earth.

The initiative, has been led by HRH the Prince of Wales's UK and EU Corporate Leaders Groups on Climate Change, and comes ahead of the UN climate negotiations which start next week in Bali, Indonesia.

Friends of the Earth's director Tony Juniper said:

"This initiative from the Prince of Wales is a major step forward in facing the urgent challenges posed by global climate change. The opportunity for governments to agree the necessary reduction in emissions is now very much greater. Now we need real political leadership".

"The shift to a low carbon economy is not only an environmental imperative but also an unprecedented economic and social opportunity. Scaling up clean energy systems and using energy more efficiently could not only slash emissions but help to improve the quality of life for billions of people and create millions of jobs. However, time is now short and if we are to have a good chance of cutting emissions by a sufficient amount we need to act right away. That is why we need a strong outcome from the Bali talks, and why it is so important that so many companies have signalled their support for governments to negotiate a deal that is up to the task at hand".

Tony Juniper, who is also vice chair of Friends of the Earth International, will be attending the UN climate negotiations in Bali. A briefing on the Bali talks is available from Friends of the Earth.

1. www.balicommunique.com