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16 Nov 2000
The Government is publishing its UK Climate Programme launch on Friday (17 November).
The programme is being launched midway through the most important international climate summit since Kyoto. The programme must contain quantified measures to show how the UK will meet:
The draft Climate Programme, issued in the spring, contained quantified measures that would achieve 14-18% cuts in carbon dioxide emissions - clearly well below the 20% target.Achieving savings at the higher level will entail significant implementation of the Government's integrated transport policy. At present this looks unlikely.
Since the draft was published, two key events have weakened its effectiveness. Firstly, the Government's 10 year plan outlined £180 billion of investment that will radically change emissions from the transport sector - probably leading to increases. Secondly,the Chancellor's recent pre-budget statement cut the duty on low sulphur fuels. Although these fuels are needed to facilitate cleaner exhaust emissions, the duty cut will encourage more people to drive.
Charles Secrett, Director of Friends of the Earth said:
“Climate change is the most serious environment problem the world faces. This is why Friends of the Earth welcomed the Government's election promise to cut carbon dioxide emissions by a fifth by 2010. The publication of the Government's climate strategy will hopefully spell out how it is going to achieve this goal. If it does this it will send a powerful message to the climate negotiations at the Hague and provide a blueprint for other nations to follow.”
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
Media team
