G8 Gleneagles, July 2005 - Reflections on its legacy

When the News Media reviewed the final communiqués issued on behalf of the representatives of the World’s richest and most influential countries who attended this meeting in Scotland, there seemed to be a consensus view that an opportunity had been missed, especially in facing up to the challenges of Climate Change. Perhaps this was a reaction to what had gone on before, in particular, the report from the World’s leading Scientific Academies asking for action because of the strong case for the link between human active and growing evidence of global climate change. In addition, the shock created by the bombings in London clearly affected the time available for discussion at Gleneagles and the mood of the Press. Also, the anticipation of what could be achieved probably was heightened by the series of events, such as Pop Concerts, marches and camps outside the Conference. However, now that some distance has been achieved it is becoming possible to offer the view that maybe the G8 Summit will come to be seen as an important stepping stone on the route to a more sustainable future.

The G8 Agenda placed both current examples of human poverty alongside the immediate and longer-term effects of climate change. This created a platform for the case to be made that both are related to the way that humanity uses global resources, especially to achieve economic goals. This created the opportunity for the scientific community to respond by presenting their opinions and suggestions about action, as did some business leaders, which were favourable to those advocating sustainable development to the Politicians attending the Conference. Later, on 28^th July, six significant Pacific Rim Nations (USA, Australia, Japan, South Korea, India and China) offered their strategy to reduce ‘greenhouse gasses’: an agreement to develop and share cleaner, more efficient technologies that will, it is claimed, meet climate concerns without strangling economic growth. Although this agreement has not been without its critics, it does represent a potentially significant change in previously stated political positions on the subject. So, though, it is premature to get too optimistic, it may yet prove that Gleneagles will take it place alongside The Brundtland Report and the Earth Conferences at Rio and Johannesburg as events that future generations will have reason to be glad of.

Paul Newman

September 2005

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