Archived press release

Government to set out blueprint for a greener future

14 July 2009

*** A Friends of the Earth briefing is available at: *** http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/media_briefing/climate_strategies_july1.pdf

The Government must set out a comprehensive blueprint for slashing greenhouse gas emissions and making the UK a world leader in tackling climate change when it announces its raft of low carbon plans on Wednesday (15 July 2009), Friends of the Earth said today.

Following the passing of the Climate Change Act in November 2008 - after a successful Friends of the Earth campaign - the UK is now legally required to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050, and 34 per cent by 2020.

The Government will publish an Energy White Paper and three related strategies for decarbonising the country and delivering its share of the EU Renewable Energy Directive. Under this the UK must ensure that 15 per cent of all UK energy (and around one third of UK electricity) comes from renewable energy sources by 2020.

Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

"The Government has a unique opportunity to build on its groundbreaking Climate Change Act and show bold international leadership ahead of crucial UN climate negotiations by setting out a detailed route map for slashing UK emissions and delivering a safer, greener future for us all.

"Seizing the green initiative will create exciting new jobs and business opportunities through ambitious measures to cut energy waste and develop the UK's vast green energy potential.

"But it's important that the UK meets its targets through domestic cuts in emissions, rather than buying carbon offsets from abroad.

"There has been far too much hot air on climate change - now we need tough and urgent action."

Friends of the Earth is calling for a number of measures and commitments from the Government including:

• Pledging to meet its targets by delivering cuts in emissions at home and
not relying on buying offsets from abroad - a con which involves paying for reductions in emissions which often don't happen.

• Agree to cut UK emissions by at least 42 per cent by 2020 following crucial
UN climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December - as recommended by the Committee on Climate Change - and ensure that the current low carbon plans enable us to do so.

• Ensure that meeting UK climate change targets is central to all Government
departments and strategies.

• Tackle the barriers that prevent UK renewable energy development from
taking off - including new planning guidance to ensure that green energy targets are met.

Notes to editors

1. Friends of the Earth is part of Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, the UK's
largest group of people dedicated to action on climate change and limiting its impact on the world's poorest communities. The coalition's supporter base of more than 11 million people spans over 100 organisations, from environment and development charities to unions, faith, community and women's groups. Together we demand practical action by the UK to keep temperatures well below an average 2 degree rise. For further information visit www.stopclimatechaos.org.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust