Archived press release

Climate Committee calls for 'step change' in Government climate action

12 October 2009

Commenting on the first annual report to Parliament by the Committee on Climate Change, which calls for a step change in the pace of UK emissions reduction and tougher policies, Friends of the Earth 's Executive Director, Andy Atkins said:

"The Committee is right to be concerned about Government action on climate change.

"The Climate Change Act is a world-class piece of legislation, but the true test is the policies put in place to deliver its goals.

"Crucial strategies on fossil fuels, aviation and energy infrastructure, due out shortly, will demonstrate whether or not the Government has heeded the Committee's warnings.

"These National Policy Statements must clearly set out their carbon impacts and how they will deliver on the UK's carbon budgets - failure to do so will seriously undermine the Government's international leadership on climate change.

"Developing the UK's huge renewable energy potential and slashing energy waste will bring huge economic benefits, deliver new green jobs and put Britain at the forefront of securing a safer, cleaner future for us all."

Friends of the Earth led the campaign for the Climate Change Act, which was passed in November 2008 after 200,000 people and Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke supported its Big Ask campaign.

The Act requires the UK to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050. The Committee on Climate Change has said that the UK should cut its emissions by at least 34 per cent by 2020 but says that this should rise to at least 42 per cent if an international climate agreement is reached - a target scientists say is required if the UK is to play its part in tackling the threat of catastrophic climate change.

Friends of the Earth says that the UK should agree to cut emissions by at least 42 per cent - and meet this target at home, without buying carbon offsets.

Notes to Editors:

1. The press release and report from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) can
be found at: http://www.theccc.org.uk/news

2. National Policy Statements (NPS) will set out the Government's long-term
view on what major infrastructure projects the UK will need. The newly formed Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) will use these NPS to determine whether to allow planning applications for projects such as new fossil fuel power stations, renewables projects, nuclear power stations, roads, railways, airports and grid infrastructure.

3. For further information about Friends of the Earth's Big Ask campaign,
visit: http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/news/big_ask_history_15798.html

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust