Bush Seeks Shift In Climate Debate

Wants To Stress New Technology Rather Than Greenhouse Gas Limits

(AP) 
He also wants greater research in so-called green technology, and to draw emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil and Mexico into the debate.

Prospects of agreement when the leaders of the United States, Russia, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan join Blair in Gleneagles, Scotland, remain uncertain.

Mr. Bush described climate change as "a significant, long-term issue that we've got to deal with" and acknowledged that human activity is "to some extent" to blame.

Mr. Bush also made it clear that he was not ready to slash the farm subsidies that critics say distort global trade and make it difficult for African economies to compete unless the European Union was also prepared to scrap its Common Agricultural Policy.

"We've got agricultural subsidies, not nearly to the extent that our friends in the EU have," he said. "... The position of the U.S. government is, we're willing to do so and we will do so with our fine friends in the European Union."

In the interview, Mr. Bush was also asked if he would make a special effort to support Blair at the summit in return for the British leader's backing for the war in Iraq.

"I really don't view our relationship as one of quid pro quo," Mr. Bush replied. "Tony Blair made decisions on what he thought was best for keeping the peace and winning the war on terror, as I did. So I go to the G-8 not really trying to make him look bad or good, but I go to the G-8 with an agenda that I think is best for our country."