Archived press release

Draft climate strategy leaked

14 November 2005

Reacting to the leak of the Government's draft new climate change programme in today's Guardian [1], Friends of the Earth director Tony Juniper said:

"A fundamental review of all Government policies is desperately needed if the UK is to meet its targets for cutting carbon dioxide. But today's leaked document suggests that the Government is only prepared to tinker at the margins. This is the same approach used for its last climate strategy which is woefully off course."

"The Prime Minister's credibility on climate change is evaporating fast. He should commit the Government to annual reductions in carbon dioxide, and summon up the political courage to ensure that big changes are implemented to meet the massive challenge of climate change."

Friends of the Earth has made the following suggestions:

• Set a legally binding annual target to reduce carbon dioxide and monitor progress, like the Government does with its annual Budget. Friends of the Earth is supporting a Climate Change Bill which will require this as part of its Big Ask Campaign (www.thebigask.com). The Government should also set targets for particular sectors, such as transport, domestic and industry.

• Require energy companies by law to reduce the amount of energy needed by their customers through energy efficiency. A tradeable permit system for energy providers would reward those that have done most to help their customers conserve energy and penalise those that have done least.

• Slash the amount of pollution electricity producers can release from their power plants to encourage them to shift from inefficient polluting power plants to more efficient alternatives, such as gas and renewables.

• Cut emissions from transport through mandatory vehicle efficiency standards, higher taxes on gas guzzlers, more support for renewable fuels and a levy on aviation.

• Introduce a `renewable heat obligation' to ensure that a growing percentage of energy for heat is provided from sustainable sources rather than fossil fuels. The Government already has an obligation on electricity providers to use renewable energy and last week introduced an obligation on transport fuel providers. Heat is the remaining energy source with no real commitment.

Note

1. http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/story/0,11026,1642046,00.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