Blair urges climate change action

The world is close to a "catastrophic tipping point" on climate change, Tony Blair has warned in advance of a summit of EU leaders.
Climate change and energy security are linked and urgent action is needed, the prime minister warns in a joint letter with his Dutch counterpart.
They say Europe needs to lead the world in changing to a low carbon economy and developing other energy sources.
Mr Blair will attend the informal summit in Lahti, Finland, on Friday.
In their letter, Mr Blair and Jan Peter Balkenende warn that failure to act will affect economic growth and long-term energy supply and will cause conflict and insecurity.
We have a window of only 10 to 15 years to take the steps we need to avoid crossing catastrophic tipping points
Joint letter
Energy is top of the agenda for the summit, where the EU leaders will be joined for dinner by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
They hope to negotiate better deals for oil and gas companies operating in Russia and better access to the Russian pipeline network.
Mr Blair says it is right to focus on external energy policy but the pace of climate change means the two are linked.
"We have a window of only 10 to 15 years to take the steps we need to avoid crossing catastrophic tipping points," the letter warns.
"These would have serious consequences for our economic growth prospects, the safety of our people and the supply of resources, most notably energy."
Debate
Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said on Wednesday that climate change was the most pressing problem for political leaders.
And a plan to cut Europe's energy consumption by 20% before 2020 has been outlined by the European Commission.
No new decisions will come out of the Lahti meeting, but Mr Blair wants an "in-depth debate" at another summit next year.
He also wants progressively tighter limits to be put on total CO2 emissions from industry, and an agreement to invest more in renewable energy technology.