Archived press release

SDLP conference must meet the challenges of a new energy future

6 November 2010

Friends of the Earth is urging the SDLP not to miss the opportunity provided by their party conference to drive forward a new economic model based on fairness, energy security and sustainable development.

The conference is a key opportunity for the party to take the lead in supporting the transition to a new low carbon economy for the island of Ireland.

James Orr, Director of Friends of the Earth in Northern Ireland said :

" A business as usual approach to the economy is no longer viable.  We need to make a fundamental shift to a more sustainable, cleaner and low-carbon economy. As oil and gas become more expensive we need to secure our economy by massively redirecting investment into energy efficiency measures and renewable energy."

"Many of these policies for a greener economy could be carried out on an all-Ireland basis. The SDLP should be driving forward a coherent plan that will move us away from a fossil fuel economy to one that strengthens markets north and south, develops smarter electricity grids, has proper cross border public transport and integrates renewable energy infrastructure on an all-Ireland basis."

Referring to support for the Green New Deal announced on Tuesday by Minister Attwood, James Orr said,:

"The support for the Green New Deal is a welcome development but action speaks louder than words. The SDLP has an opportunity to transform the nature of our economy by supporting and financing exciting new projects like the Green New Deal, an initiative that will not only help fight climate change but create thousands of jobs and tackle fuel poverty. Minister Attwood's Department of Social Development has a key role to play in driving this forward."

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust