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Councils to join effort to cut carbon emissions - Friends of the Earth reaction to John Denham announcement
20 July 2009
Reacting to reports that Communities Secretary John Denham will this week unveil plans for councils to join in the effort to cut carbon emissions, Friends of the Earth Campaigner Liz Hutchins said:
"This is great news - the Government is spot on to recognise that councils have a massive part to play in tackling climate change.
"Councils have a big say in how we heat and power our homes and how we get around and could be doing much more to cut carbon emissions.
"Friends of the Earth is campaigning for local action to cut carbon - which will help save the planet while giving a much needed boost to local economies across the country.
"We look forward to working with the Government to make sure that councils have enough support to make cuts of at least 40 per cent by 2020 - which is what scientists agree is necessary to avoid dangerous global warming."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. Friends of the Earth's new campaign Get Serious About CO2 launched in June. The campaign is calling on councils to commit to cutting carbon dioxide in the local area by at least 40 per cent by 2020 - and produce an action plan detailing how it's going to happen. The campaign is also calling for more money and less hassle for councils to do things like improve public transport, insulate more homes and install green energy, and for a new duty on councils that fail to act on climate change.
2. At the campaign website, individuals can pledge their support for the campaign by uploading a photo of themselves looking serious. The photos will be used to petition the Government for more support for councils to cut CO2.
4. Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. For further information visit http://www.foe.co.uk/.
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
Last modified: Sep 2009
