Climate evidence - what the UK should do29 April 2010
Millions of people are tackling climate change - saving energy in the home, recycling, leaving the car at home. But the Government and local councils should be doing more to help. We have the research to show how.
Research for Friends of the Earth Europe suggests we can cut emissions by 40% by 2020 by
- Wasting less energy
- Quickly phasing out coal, oil and gas
- Switching to clean, green, renewable energy
- Using public transport more and other changes in the way we live.
The research says such changes could shrink the carbon footprint of the average European by eight times by 2050.
Evidence for what we should do in the UK
At least 70,000 jobs - that's how many Friends of the Earth's research shows could be created across England and Wales if councils slashed climate-changing emissions. They could do this by insulating homes and businesses and fitting green energy to buildings.
Kirklees Council's Warm Zone programme has shown what can be done at local level through a comprehensive programme of home energy efficiency.
National Energy Action offers evidence of the health benefits of better insulated homes.
The Improvement and Development Agency provides evidence of what we could achieve through better public transport.
The Department of Transport's own research shows how reducing traffic congestion can improve health.
Engineering consultant Arup has produced case studies on low-carbon schemes at local level. Research by Tony Travers of the London School of Economics shows how councils can drive down emissions in their areas. Read the combined report here.
Read about low-carbon schemes in action.
© Adam Bradbury/Friends of the Earth
