Archived press release

Government Complacent in Face of Global Warming Warning

6 June 1996

Tougher action is needed to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Friends of the Earth said today, as top climate scientists publish damning evidence on climate change. Reports from the IPCC conclude for the first time that human activities are causing the earth's temperature to rise, with potentially devastating results [1].

Anna Stanford, Energy Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said;

"This is evidence that we are conducting a dangerous experiment with our climate. But as the science gets stronger, Government action gets weaker."

Although the UK Government claims to be taking the lead in action to cut greenhouse gases, any reduction in emissions by the year 2000 will be largely due to the dash for gas and economic recession. There is no satisfactory strategy to cut CO2 emissions [2] and as a result post-2000 levels are set to rise. The Government's call for developed countries to commit to cuts of 5 -10% by 2010 is inadequate. Friends of the Earth's own research has identified a need for an initial cut in CO2 emissions of 30% by 2005. Small island nations vulnerable to sea level rise have called for a 20% cut by 2005.

Anna Stanford concluded;

"The Government's attitude to the threat of climate change is complacent in the extreme. Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy can create hundreds of thousands of jobs and a competitive home-grown industry. Improving insulation cuts householders' fuel bills and makes homes warmer and healthier. By adopting a comprehensive strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the Government could bring countless social and economic benefits to the UK."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] The report of Working Group 1 of the IPCC concludes that "the balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate". The IPCC predicts a rate of warming greater than any seen in the last 10,000 years. Potential impacts include sea level rise of about 50cm by 2100, a change in rainfall patterns, more severe heatwaves, droughts and floods.

[2] The UK's Climate Change Programme has been beset by difficulties, including failure to implement the full rate of VAT on fuel, under-funding of the Energy Saving Trust and cuts in the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust