Ask your MP to support a strong 2020 climate target

The Government is currently deciding how much we should cut our climate changing emissions by 2020.

Image of crashing wave

It is crucial that we make big cuts, immediately, if we are to avoid dangerous climate change.

Meeting the challenge

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC), set up to advise the Government, has produced two options for a 2020 target:

Interim target: 34% by 2020
To be used before a global deal is agreed
Intended target: 42% by 2020
To be adopted following a global deal on climate change

But really there is no choice.

We must choose the intended target because it is:

What the science demands
At least 40% by 2020 says the Tyndall Centre.
Less pain later
Small cuts now means harder targets in future.
Clean green future
Instead of dirty coal and runway expansions.

Getting our house in order first

The Committee also suggests that if we adopt the 42% target we can ‘buy’ some of these cuts from other countries.

This is called carbon trading.

But this is a loop-hole that allows developed countries to duck their historical responsibilities for cutting their own emissions.

Did you know?

"The three countries most responsible, per capita, for filling the air with carbon dioxide from fossil fuels are the UK, the US and Germany, in that order."

James Hansen, Director, Nasa’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, writing in the Guardian

Making the cuts in this country would have other benefits including:

Cut energy bills
A home insulation programme would reduce fuel poverty and cut emissions.
Thousands of green jobs
Tackle recession and become world leader in low carbon technologies.
Energy security
Use Britain’s abundant renewable energy resources.

Press for change

Please ask your MP to sign a parliamentary petition. It calls for an immediate target to cut greenhouse gas emissions within the UK by 42% by 2020.

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