U.S. absent as 46 nations call for new environmental group

PARIS – Forty-five nations answered France’s call Saturday for a new environmental body to slow inevitable global warming and protect the planet, perhaps with policing powers to punish violators.

Absent were the world’s heavyweight polluter, the United States, and booming nations on the same path as the U.S. – China and India.

The charge led by French President Jacques Chirac came a day after the release of an authoritative – and disturbingly grim – scientific report in Paris that said global warming is “very likely” caused by mankind and that climate change will continue for centuries even if heat-trapping gases are reduced. It was the strongest language ever used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, whose last report was issued in 2001.

The document, a collaboration of hundreds of scientists and government officials, was approved by 113 nations, including the United States.

Despite the report’s dire outlook, most scientists say the worst disasters – huge sea level rises and the most catastrophic storms and droughts – may be avoided if strong action is taken soon.

In his call to action at a French-sponsored environment conference on Saturday, Chirac said, “It is our responsibility. The future of humanity demands it.”

Without naming the United States – producer of about one-quarter of the world’s greenhouse gases – Chirac expressed frustration that “some large, rich countries still must be convinced.” They are “refusing to accept the consequences of their acts,” he said.

So far, it is mostly European nations that agreed to pursue plans for the new organization, and to hold their first meeting in Morocco this spring.

Chirac, 74, is seeking to leave his mark on international affairs before he leaves office, likely in May, though his own environmental record over 12 years as France’s president is spotty.

Former Vice President Al Gore, whose Oscar-nominated documentary on the perils of global warming has garnered worldwide attention, cheered Chirac’s efforts.

“We are at a tipping point,” Gore told the conference by videophone. “We must act, and act swiftly. … Such action requires international cooperation.”

However, many questions remain about Chirac’s proposed new environmental body, including whether it would have the power to enforce global climate accords.

Chirac’s appeal says only that the group should “evaluate ecological damage” and “support the implementation of environmental decisions.”

Many countries have failed to meet targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions laid out in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The United States has never ratified the pact. And on Friday, the Bush administration reiterated its rejection of imposed cuts on greenhouse gases.