Anger as US abandons climate treaty

US President George W Bush encounters international criticism after he announces that the US will not implement the Kyoto Protocol which aimed to limit global climate change.

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Latest news

EU Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom

EU delegation fails to move Bush

An EU delegation in Washington to try to rescue the agreement meets with a cool response from the Bush administration. The BBC's Stephen Sackur reports.

 Click here to watch

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President Bush says the US economy comes first

Bush abandons agreement

The US produces a quarter of the carbon dioxide emissions blamed for global warming, but President Bush says the Kyoto agreement would damage the US economy.

 Click here to watch Stephen Sackur's report

 Click here to listen to presidential adviser Myron Ebell who says people all over the world should be grateful for Presdient Bush's bold decision

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Climate change may increase incidences of droughts

International reaction

The US encounters a hail of criticism from Europe, Japan and developing nations such as China, but some countries including Australia and Canada express sympathy for President Bush's decision.

 Click here to listen to the EU's Environment Commissioner Margaret Wallstrom who says the US must not abandon its international responsibilities

 Click here to listen to the BBC's Red Harrison in Australia where the government says it supports President Bush and may not ratify the agreement

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Man's activity may be responsible for the melting of ice caps

Analysis

With weather extremes, such as floods and droughts, being blamed on global warming, BBC News Online's environment correspondent Alex Kirby reports on the science of climate change.

 Click here to watch the report