Archived press release

Foe calls on dti and treasury to act on climate change

16 October 1998

Dangerous climate change won't be halted without urgent action by all Government departments, Friends of the Earth warned today. Welcoming the publication today by the DETR of new reports showing that the UK will be severely affected by a rise in global temperatures, FOE urged the Government to respond by setting out a comprehensive programme of policy measures to boost renewable energy, energy efficiency and cut car use. Such a policy will require leadership from the Prime Minister and action by the Treasury and the DTI, as well as DETR, to meet the Government' s promise of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent 2010. Next month world Government's will met in Argentina to agree legally binding cuts in climate-changing gases.
Charles Secrett, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth said:
“It is very good that the Government is putting effort into drawing public attention to the catastrophic impacts of climate change and the need to take action to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Now we need action, in the form of policy measures to boost greener energy sources, to help people save energy in the home and to increase public transport. This won't happen without support from the Treasury and the Department of Trade and Industry. Gordon Brown and Peter Mandelson must back these measures. Michael Meacher has drawn attention to the problem - he must have cooperation from his colleagues implement an effective response.”

FOE is also concerned that the historic meeting in Buenos Aires in November could be in jeopardy because of opposition from industry and Republican politicians in the US. The UK Government must continue to lead the rich nations in the fight against climate change by putting pressure on the US Government to implement the climate change agreement signed in Kyoto last year. Without US ratification, the cuts in greenhouse gas emissions that were agreed will not be legally binding.

Charles Secrett continued:
“The next round of climate talks in Argentina is only weeks away. Governments need to make progress in cutting emissions, not take a step backwards by arguing about the role of developing countries. The US has less than 5% of the world's population but emits over a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. It must make the first cuts and help stave off catastrophic climate change.”

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust