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Government climate advisor calls for tougher action on emissions
30 June 2010
Responding to today's Climate Change Committee report (Wednesday 30 June 2010) which says that the recent fall in UK greenhouse gas emissions is mainly due to economic factors, and that a 'step change' in the pace of cuts is needed to meet mandatory UK climate targets, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:
"It's extremely disturbing that, despite a similar warning from the Committee last year, the recent fall in UK emissions is mainly due to the recession.
"This report is further evidence of the need to build our future prosperity on safe, green foundations - a low carbon economy will create hundreds of thousands of new green jobs and increase our energy security by reducing our addiction to overseas gas and oil.
"We need greater effort and ambition, starting with a Government pledge to cut UK emissions by 2020 by at least 42 per cent, as demanded by the science.
"It's time for tough action on global warming."
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. CCC report: http://downloads.theccc.org.uk/0610/pr_meeting_carbon_budgets¬
_press_release.pdf
2. Measures that Friends of the Earth is calling for include:
- Cutting UK emissions by at least 42 per cent by 2020 - the minimum scientists say is needed to play our part preventing dangerous climate change. The current target is a 34 per cent cut.
- Ensuring local councils play their part in cutting emissions by establishing local carbon budgets;
- Ensuring that by 2020 all UK homes meet or exceed band D for energy efficiency
- Introducing tough emissions performance standards for coal-fired power stations.
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Aug 2010
