Cameron wants sea change in climate talks

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LONDON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Changing the climate change conversation from the language of threats to profits will encourage needed reforms, the British prime minister said in London.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said his coalition was keen to take a different approach to climate talks under way in Cancun, Mexico.

"It is vital that we demonstrate that progress is being made and the responsibility rests with all of us to put our shoulder to the wheel and push things forward," he said in a statement.

He noted that the low-carbon market was worth close to $5 trillion and could grow by as much as 4 percent during the next five years.

"I passionately believe that by re-casting the argument for action on climate change away from the language of threats and punishments and into positive, profit-making terms, we can have a much wider impact," he said.

The United Kingdom accounts for less than 2 percent of global greenhouse emissions. Meanwhile, the British government is moving ahead with a so-called green deal meant to encourage a greener economy at home.

Cameron said public and political attitudes toward climate change were changing in ways he said would encourage necessary reforms in Cancun.

"In the past decade we have seen a sea change in public attitudes to climate change and a hardening of political will to deal with it; over the next decade, I am convinced we can make a real difference," he said.