Why Government can't act on councils and climate change19 August 2011
Over 10,000 people have signed Friends of the Earth's petition to Climate Change Secretary, Chris Huhne.
Now he's written them a reply - showing he just doesn't get it.
A whopping 10,600 people have asked Chris Huhne to provide councils with independent advice from the Committee on Climate Change.
In his reply to our supporters, Chris Huhne says he 'will consider' whether this is possible.
But he also says people who signed the petition 'will appreciate' that advice from the Committee may be a luxury we cannot afford.
He's wrong.
Council action on climate change isn't a luxury. It's vital.
Over 80% of all UK carbon emissions are a result of everyday activity - like how we get to work, and how we heat our homes and offices.
Councils can make a big difference in all these areas - making them vital to tackling climate change.
Chris Huhne is also wrong that it would be expensive. Independent advice from the Committee on Climate Change would be much cheaper than all councils paying for consultants.
Advice for councils would make a big difference
Councils need proper information to plan their activity on climate change.
Independent advice would tell councils:
- How much they need to cut emissions to do their fair share
- The best ways to tackle climate change in their area
Local people would also be clear about what their council should be doing, and could hold them to account if they don't deliver.
Make sure Chris Huhne gets it right
In his own words, Chris Huhne is 'considering' whether to provide independent advice to councils.
Make sure he takes the right decision. Please email him to say independent advice is vital and that his reply to our petition isn't good enough.
Note: Please take this action even if you didn't sign the original petition.
© Friends of the Earth
