Archived press release

Friends of the Earth partners with Eurostar

22 October 2007

Friends of the Earth and Eurostar today joined forces to urge the Government to strengthen its proposed climate change law and to give more support to low-carbon travel solutions.

The new partnership coincides with the publication of a YouGov poll of 2202 adults which found that almost three-quarters of the population think the train is the greenest form of travel for journeys to mainland Europe and longer distance journeys in Britain.

The partnership was launched at Waterloo International station by Friends of the Earth director, Tony Juniper and Eurostar Chief Executive, Richard Brown. Both Eurostar and Friends of the Earth believe that the Government's current plans for a climate change law do not go far enough.

They are calling for the new law to commit the UK to cutting its carbon dioxide emissions by at least three per cent every year. They also want it to include the UK's share of emissions from international aviation and shipping. The campaign for a new climate change law has been led by Friends of the Earth through The Big Ask campaign (www.thebigask.com).

As part of the partnership, Richard Brown also filmed a personal message for The Big Ask online march - a virtual march featuring a range of public and celebrity faces such as Jude Law, KT Tunstall, Stephen Fry and Thom Yorke.

The YouGov poll reveals that:

Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of the British adult population think that, in comparing train, plane and car, the train is the greenest form of transport for travel to mainland Europe and for longer distance journeys in Britain.

Half (50 per cent) think environment concerns will be more influential in affecting their choice of travel in future, compared with today. Only three per cent think it will be less influential.

Friends of the Earth director, Tony Juniper said:
"We're delighted to be on board with Eurostar as one of the leading green travel options for short-haul travel to Europe, and to have Eurostar supporting Friends of the Earth's campaign for a stronger climate change law.

"High-speed journeys on Eurostar are a much less environmentally damaging alternative to short-haul air travel to the Continent. Eurostar passengers will soon be able to travel from London to Paris or Brussels in approximately two hours, and connect with other high-speed services to many more cities across Europe. Now we need the Government to pass a strong law to make sure greener alternatives to flying- and other environmental solutions -really pick up speed."

Eurostar Chief Executive, Richard Brown said:
"Eurostar strongly believes it is right to support Friends of the Earth's climate campaign, The Big Ask. It's clear that many consumers believe they have a personal responsibility to tackle climate change, and businesses like Eurostar recognises they also have a duty to act. Now it's time for the Government to show real leadership, with strong legislation that will send a clear message round the world that the UK is serious about tackling climate change.

"Eurostar is already 10 times greener than flying between London and Paris or Brussels. Through our Tread Lightly initiative we have pledged to become greener still by setting a target of reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 25 per cent per passenger journey by 2012.

Notes

Following Friends of the Earth's successful climate campaign, The Big Ask, the Government has agreed to introduce a new climate change law to cut UK carbon dioxide emissions. This has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth but the environmental charity says the proposed new law must be strengthened if it is to be really effective. A bill is expected to go to Parliament next month. Friends of the Earth says it must be made tougher by reducing emissions every year so that the UK reaches a target of at least 80 per cent cuts by 2050 (the equivalent of three per cent cuts each year). These targets are based on the latest scientific research which will prevent global temperatures from rising above two degrees, The Bill must also include emissions from the UK's share of international shipping and aviation. For more information about Friends of the Earth's climate campaign, The Big Ask, see: www.thebigask.com

Friends of the Earth and Eurostar commissioned a survey carried out by YouGov. 2202 adults were polled using an online survey between 16-18 October 2007. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults aged 18+.

Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking London Waterloo (until 13 November), London St Pancras (from 14 November) Ebbs fleet (from 19 November), Ashford, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.

Eurostar will begin services from St Pancras International on 14 November 2007, ending services from Waterloo International the previous evening. Journey times on High Speed 1, the UK's first high-speed line, will be London - Paris 2h 15min; London - Brussels 1h 51min; and London - Lille 1h 20min.

According to independent research commissioned by Eurostar, carbon dioxide emissions per passenger journey between London and Paris / Brussels are ten times higher by plane than by train. For more information, see:
www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/before_you_go/ ¬
Green_Eurostar.jsp

Under its `Tread Lightly' initiative, Eurostar has set a target of reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 25 per cent per passenger journey by 2012. For more information, see:
www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/environment/ ¬
tread_lightly.jsp

Eurostar travel from London to Paris or Brussels starts form £59 return. To book tickets, or to find out more information, go to www.eurostar.com, call 08705 186 186 or contact your travel agent

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