Archived press release

Governments co2 manifesto promise won't be met

17 November 2000

The UK Climate Change White paper published this morning follows Government commitments to tackle climate change. It has an international obligation to cut a basket of greenhouse gases by 12.5% by 2012. It also made a manifesto pledge to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% on 1990 levels by 2010. The Government said today that “cuts of 19 % in carbon dioxide emissions could be achieved, with further action delivering the domestic 20 % goal.” [our emphasis].

Friends of the Earth welcomes the publication of the strategy and believes that the policy framework is broadly right. However, there are a number of flawed assumptions:
* The “dash for gas” doesn't take account of the doubling of gas prices over the last year. As a result, less gas-fired power stations are likely to be built than the Government anticipates;
* The recent reduction in fuel duty announced in the pre-budget statement will lead to more traffic and therefore more carbon dioxide emissions;
* there is too much reliance on voluntary action by industry and householders.

There are also a number of critical policy measures missing. These include:
* the lack of carbon-based taxes for industry, vehicle and household energy use;
* a failure to immediately mandate strict energy conservation ratings for offices and homes;
* not enough funding to boost renewable energy such as off-shore wind, and solar homes;
* too little investment in low-carbon and carbon-free fuels;
* the failure to make CHP a priority technology.

Charles Secrett, Director of Friends of the Earth said:
“We welcome the publication of the Government's climate strategy, but we are deeply concerned that the carbon reduction targets won't be met. There are not enough climate pollution penalties nor incentives to help industry and householders go green. This leaves a gaping hole in the strategy. It looks like the Environment Department's plans have been scuppered by other Government departments. Relative to other countries Britain is doing OK,but much more is needed to combat the awesome threat posed by climate change.

“Climate change should be a loud wake-up call to the industrial world. We cannot continue in our polluting and profligate ways. The energy and transport solutions exist. The Hague climate summit must start implementing them now.”

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust