Tackling climate change while the sun shines in Plymouth14 April 2011
Labour's key shadow housing Minister has promised to help Plymouth green campaigners fight against climate change.
Speaking at a Stop Climate Chaos public meeting part organised by Plymouth Friends of the Earth last week, Alison Seabeck MP pledged to work with colleagues and opposition MPs to help improve the Government's Energy Bill.
This new energy-saving law aims to help the UK cut its carbon footprint. But Friends of the Earth is warning it won't do this urgent job without major improvement.
A strong, green Energy Bill would have enormous benefits for everyone. Making sure the nation's heat-leaking homes were insulated and generating more energy from renewable sources would mean:
- Thousands of new jobs
- Warmer homes
- Cheaper energy bills
Ms Seabeck said the UK should refurbish 600,000 homes a year and highlighted how technologies like marine renewable energy could boost employment in areas like Plymouth.
Planning system shake-up
The MP agreed with Friends of the Earth's concern that Government plans to overhaul the planning system could exclude poorer communities from having a meaningful say in decisions about their area.
And she pointed out the worrying absence of clearly defined 'sustainable development' in the Government's proposed Localism Bill. Friends of the Earth is calling for all development to actively contribute to reducing carbon emissions and restoring nature in England.
How green is your MP?
All over the country, MPs are being challenged to tackle climate change as part of the Big Climate Reconnection.
Ask your MP to stand up publically and prove their green credentials. Find out what's planned in your area.
Get involved locally
Find your nearest Friends of the Earth group and get involved in your own community.
© Mike Birkin
