In a new video, obtained by Al Jazeera, Osama bin Laden is condemning industrial states holding them responsible for the phenomenon of climate change.
Al Jazeera – Bin Laden deplores climate change
In an audio tape obtained by Al Jazeera, bin Laden criticised George Bush, the former US president, for rejecting the Kyoto pact and condemned global corporations.
“This is a message to the whole world about those responsible for climate change and its repercussions – whether intentionally or unintentionally – and about the action we must take,” bin Laden said.
“Speaking about climate change is not a matter of intellectual luxury – the phenomenon is an actual fact.”
In the new recording, bin Laden said: “Noam Chomsky [the US academic and political commentator] was correct when he compared the US policies to those of the Mafia. They are the true terrorists and therefore we should refrain from dealing in the US dollar and should try to get rid of this currency as early as possible.
“I am certain that such actions will have grave repercussions and huge impact.”
While continuing to attack America, bin Laden’s comments mark a shift from his earlier, more regionally focused commentary.