Chartered Institute of Building – No progress without accountability and transparency, Prescott.

Strong words for both China and the West at CIOB’s Global Construction Summit
John Prescott issued strong challenges to China and the developed world on carbon reduction today in his opening speech at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Global Construction Summit in Shanghai.
The former deputy UK prime minister and the UK’s lead negotiator in the Kyoto Protocol also said he was confident the CIOB could help in delivering a sustainable built environment in many countries around the world.
His challenge to China was that it should be transparent about its carbon emissions and accountable to the global community.
“China will not accept externally imposed limits on emissions because it’s like foreign domination and I understand that,” he told a packed audience, “but China needs to respect the principles of accountability and transparency.”
But Prescott also said the West has to recognise the needs of the rest of the world to catch up in development and standards of living – and expanding fossil fuel consumption is still a must for them.
“It’s no longer possible for a few strong and rich countries to try and control others by dictat,” he said. “Rich countries must bear the greatest burden for the problem they created.”
He insisted the only way to ensure fair carbon reduction globally is to take account of countries’ per capita carbon emissions. By that measure, the US, where each person produces on average 33 tons of carbon each year, have a lot more work to do than China, where the average per capita figure is four tons.
He concluded by saying the built environment has a critical role to play in climate change and said he was confident the CIOB could help promote sustainability around the world as many countries rush to urbanise.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.
Our Mission
To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges faced in the 21st century.
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. Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and continuous personal development.
. Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for everyone everywhere.
. Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide.
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Kind Regards

Saul Townsend MCIPR
Press & Communications Manager
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
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