The British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, yesterday pledged £100 million to develop renewable energy sources and warned world leaders that failure to curb global warming would be a "bitter blow" for the environment.
In a speech in London aimed at promoting the government's green credentials, the Prime Minister said global warming was accelerating. It was "irresponsible" not to treat seriously predictions that by 2025 up to two-thirds of the world could be experiencing some kind of water shortage and that climate change could mean more rainfall, flooding and severe weather storms.
Speaking on green issues for the second time in six months, the Prime Minister said that since his last speech there was now an "intense sense of urgency" about global warming, evidenced by the reaction to flooding and the heaviest snowfall in Scotland in 40 years.
Mr Blair also called for reform of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy to reflect new ways of farming that promoted environmental good practice, quality food and high standards of care for farm animals.
The boost for renewable energy resources means more funds for projects such as offshore wind farms and the development of solar energy, and the government plans to announce more green projects later this year.
The Conservatives questioned the timing of the speech, saying it was a pre-election gimmick to make the government appear greener on environmental issues.
The Tory environment spokesman, Mr Damian Green, said: "It is too late for Tony Blair to try and dress himself in green clothes. He is fooling no one with this sudden burst of fake concern. Britain is one of Europe's worst performers on renewable energy, one of Europe's worst performers on recycling domestic waste, and for the first three years of Blair's government blocked the construction of cleaner gas-fired power stations which emit fewer greenhouse gases."
Mr Charles Secrett, executive director of the environmental group Friends of the Earth, described the speech as "probably the best" Mr Blair had made during four years in power, but said the government needed to do a lot more to improve its green record.
"It is welcome evidence of joined-up green thinking at No 10, but a lot more needs to be done," he told BBC R5. "There are problems with farming and countryside management and the transport infrastructure. But Mr Blair has thrown down a green gauntlet to Mr Hague and Mr Kennedy."