Bush to commit $2 billion to climate change fund

Mr Bush, a latecomer to the fight against global warming, also committed $2 billion for a new international fund to promote clean energy technologies and combat climate change.

"Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources," Mr Bush said.

He said the US is committed to working with major economies and the UN to complete an international agreement that "has the potential to slow, stop and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases."

"This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride," Mr Bush said. "The US is committed to strengthening our energy security and confronting global climate change."

Delegates from the biggest greenhouse gas-polluting countries will meet this week in Hawaii to spur UN negotiations for an international climate agreement by 2009 that would replace the carbon-capping Kyoto Protocol expiring in 2012.

The Bush administration rejects the Kyoto Protocol, saying it unfairly exempts developing countries from cutting emissions and could hurt the US economy. Mr Bush favours voluntary measures and "aspirational goals" to limit climate change.

In response to Mr Bush's speech, environmental groups called the president's voluntary efforts to curb global warming an old approach that would not work.

"In the fight against global warming, the science is clear: The path to avoid catastrophic climate change starts with mandatory limits on global warming pollution... a voluntary approach adds up to lots of rhetoric and little actual change," said the National Wildlife Federation.

On energy issues, Mr Bush once again called for the US to cut its dependence on oil, which this month hit a record $100.09 a barrel, by developing new sources of energy.

"To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology.

Factbox - Energy, environment in Bush State of Union speech

• US to provide $2 billion over next three years to a new international clean energy technology fund to help fight climate change.

• Reaffirms US commitment to work with major world economies and the United Nations to complete agreement by next year to slow, stop and reverse growth of greenhouse gases.

• Wants US to reduce dependence on oil.

• Seeks more US investment in advanced batteries and renewable fuels to run future cars and trucks.

• Wants US to generate more electricity from clean coal, solar and wind energy and nuclear power that will also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.