Mr Paterson also disputes that business concerns are taking precedence over poverty and the environment and says there is much evidence to show that GM crops have improved yields.
But a few days ago he had a cordial meeting with Bartholomew I, the Ecumenical Patriarch, and said he saw common ground with the church over issues like migration policy, the environment and poverty.
Those areas were food, energy, water, health, safety and security, environment, infrastructure, poverty, economy and education.
What is a more pressing global concern, the environment or poverty?
Particular emphasis was placed on health issues in relation to environment and poverty concerns.
World Water Week 2008 focuses on sanitation, health and hygiene Over 170 collaborating organizations will meet to discuss issues around water and its impact on health, the environment, and poverty alleviation, at the annual World Water Week to be held in Stockholm from August 17 to 23.
The annual CSW meeting to review progress on women's empowerment, which begins in New York on Monday, is the first since the UN general assembly adopted the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the roadmap for ending poverty, inequality and conserving the environment over the next 15 years that was agreed in September.
This year's CSW is the first since leaders pledged to end extreme poverty, address inequality and conserve the environment over the next 15 years.
