Archived press release

Labour in disarray on climate change target

29 September 1997

The UK Government is in total disarray over global climate change policy according to a new analysis from Friends of the Earth. Official papers reveal ministerial splits and point to possible backsliding by the UK over their promised 20 per cent cut in carbon dioxide which may now become conditional on what other countries promise to do.

For example, in a July 24th letter to Friends of the Earth, Environment Minister Michael Meacher states that "The Government's domestic target is a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2010". In the same letter however, it says that "We will be developing a Climate Change Programme to meet whatever target the UK has toachieve after the Kyoto conference" [our emphasis]. It is not clear therefore whether the target is conditional or not.

However, on September 16th Science, Energy and Industry Minister John Battle said in a DTI press release that "we will take the lead at the Kyoto Conference on Climate Change in December by pressing for significant reductions of 'greenhouse gas' emissions, conditional on others making similar efforts". This statement was made despite earlier assurances from the Prime Minister in a June 24th Parliamentary Answer that "It is not a conditional target" [our emphasis].

Tony Juniper, Campaigns Director at Friends of the Earth, said:

"The Government is divided on what to do about climate change. Some Ministers want our position to be unilateral no matter what happens internationally whilst others want the UK to stick with nations like the USA and Australia who are determined to do nothing. If the world is to be saved from the devastation that will accompany rapid man-made climate change, developed countries like the UK will have to show how it is possible to reduce emissions.If we don't who will?"

"The UK must most importantly demonstrate how action on climate change can be good for society and the economy. For example, cutting road traffic by 10 per cent by 2010 could generate a net increase of over 90,000 jobs. Similar benefits

can be foreseen in the energy sector too. If the Government is serious about putting the environment at the centre of policy making, as it said it is, then Mr Blair's speech needs to confirm that our climate target is not conditional and to say why it makes good sense for the economy and society, irrespective of what other countries do".

ENDS

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust