Home > Press releases > Archived press releases > 2004 > Government Slammed on Climate Change Failings
Home > Press releases > Archived press releases > 2004 > Government Slammed on Climate Change Failings
11 August 2004
The Government is failing to tackle the growing threat of climate change, a new report from the Environmental Audit Committee reveals today [1]. Carbon dioxide emissions, one of the main gases contributing to climate change, are still rising the report says. It says that the Government needs a more imaginative and radical strategy for tackling transport emissions and domestic energy efficiency, including increasing fuel duty. The report says the Treasury must take a lead in providing investment in alternative fuels.
The report shows that the Government is unlikely to reach its own target for cutting carbon dioxide by 20 per cent (based on 1990 levels) by 2010. Carbon dioxide emissions have risen slightly since Labour came to power in 1997.
Friends of the Earth's Campaigns Director Mike Childs said:
"This report highlights the Government's continued failure to take firm action on tackling climate change. It has failed to put in place tough targets on cutting emissions from industry; it has failed to tackle emissions from transport and instead is planning to let them grow for at least the next 10 years. And it has failed to convince the British public of the urgent need to save energy at home.
"Tony Blair talks the talk but fails to walk the walk when it comes to this crucial issue. It is time he swapped fine words for action and put carbon reduction at the heart of all government policy. And the Chancellor must be persuaded to use economic carrots and sticks to significantly cut our emissions of greenhouse gas".
[1] Environmental Audit Committee Report, Budget 2004 and Energy, 11 August 2004
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