Archived press release

Government's Climate Bill step in right direction

30 October 2006

A new law to tackle climate change, announced by Environment Secretary David Miliband, is an important first step in the fight against global warming, Friends of the Earth said today (Monday). But the organisation added that any legislation must include firm annual targets to ensure the UK meets its commitment to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

The statement, which followed an announcement by the Chancellor Gordon Brown at the launch of the Stern Review, commits the Government to setting up an independent Carbon Committee to work with Government to reduce emissions, with a long term target of 60 per cent by 2050.

Friends of the Earth Executive Director Tony Juniper said:

"It is good to see the Government responding to the urgent need to take action on climate change by putting forward new legislation with emission reduction targets in the Queen's Speech. If this law is going to be effective, it must include tough annual targets that translate long-term targets into real world policy change. If you can use annual targets to keep the economy on track, then surely they also provide a tool for keeping our carbon emissions on track."

Friends of the Earth's Big Ask campaign is urging the Government to introduce new legislation to tackle climate change with annual targets to bring down carbon dioxide emissions. The campaign has gained cross-party support, with more than 400 MPs supporting calls for the Bill and thousands of people around the country calling for action. The campaign urges the Government to set targets in law so that the trajectory is clear to industry and investors; and demands transparency with annual reporting to Parliament.

If you are a journalist seeking press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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Archived press release

Government's Climate Bill step in right direction

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