FOREIGN AND
COMMONWEALTH OFFICE News Release issued by The Government News
Network on 15 July 2008
The challenge of
climate change is one of the key issues being addressed during the
visit to the UK of the Governor of Florida, Charlie Crist.
Today, in London, the Governor and Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Minister, Dr Kim Howells, witnessed the signing of a series of
Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing clean
technologies to help tackle this global problem.
Dr Howells said of the collaborative efforts,
"These memoranda are a concrete demonstration of the
deepening relationship between the UK and Florida. Governor
Crist's work to set tough emission targets has helped make
Florida one of the world's leaders in tackling climate
change. A target of reducing emissions to 80% of 1990 levels by
2050 demonstrates the Governor's determination to put Florida
at the forefront of worldwide action."
Welcoming this establishment of closer links, Governor Crist said,
"Florida's research universities are the heart of our
technology innovation, and I applaud the international
partnerships established here today. Talented scientists are
developing high quality research that results in real-world
applications, and collaboration can advance the work being done in
Florida and around the world."
Note to editors:
Three MoUs were signed to develop such areas as collaborative
research and cooperation on the use of facilities and equipment.
The MoUs were between Heriot-Watt University and the Florida
Atlantic University; the New and Renewable Energy Centre, in
Blyth, Northumberland, and the Florida Atlantic University; and
the College of Natural Sciences - Bangor University and the
Florida-Gulf Coast University.
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