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What Would You Ask the Prime Minister?

Photo of Gordon Brown courtesy of World Economic Forum @ flickr

Next week, I have a tour of 10 Downing St. The details are uncertain, but in expectation of time for questions to pose to the Prime Minister, I've been wondering what question I might ask.

Specifically, I'm interested in what the US might learn from Britain on environmental policy. This was why I came; the UK is, in some ways, ahead of the US. Their government has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2020. And, at the very least, Prince Charles founded a line of organic food. Imagine if President Bush's daughter had done the same.

And so, the question is: what is the question?

Should I ask about Britain's environmental policy? Say, what can the US learn from the UK as it looks forward to its first federal cap and trade system?

Or, perhaps something about shifting priorities in the current economy. I.e., Should the economy continue to decline, will the British government maintain its commitment to 80% carbon reductions?

Or something else entirely, like: If the scientists are correct in saying that we need significant reductions in carbon emissions in the short term, how can we talk about this issue in a way that is convincing to the public, and compelling to policy makers?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Any suggestions?

(Photo credit: Copyright World Econommic Forum. Photo by Remy Steinegger.)

Comments

  • Ben Jervey wrote on January 09, 2009, 03:50PM : Flag this comment as inappropriate Flag this comment as inappropriate

    I'd love to hear his plan for Copenhagen and the next iteration of an international climate treaty. Will the UK urge the U.S. to take the lead and ensure that this is no airy agreement, but a binding resolution? Can the U.S. take the lead on this--or have we lost so much credibility that we can only play along?

  • Bob Matson wrote on January 09, 2009, 10:53PM : Flag this comment as inappropriate Flag this comment as inappropriate

    Ben; Just suppose there really was a way to produce plentiful Hydrogen and a very efficient engine to use it. The entire process would use no fossil fuels and would produce zero emissions. The question is: Does Britain have a program to commercialize this disruptive technology and at the same time protect the IP?

  • Aparna wrote on January 10, 2009, 04:39PM : Flag this comment as inappropriate Flag this comment as inappropriate

    Hi Ben, my concern would be to know from him that in times of this economic downturn, what opportunities does he envisage that environment sector promises which can help to bring the country out of this recession?

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