Archived press release

MPs demand tougher climate change law

30 July 2007

The publication of the Environmental Audit Committee's Report, 'Beyond Stern: From the Climate Change Programme Review to the Draft Climate Change Bill' was welcomed by Friends of the Earth today (30 July).

Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner Robin Webster said:

"This report shows that the Government's proposed climate change law is simply not strong enough. The law must deliver the emissions reductions which scientists say are needed and it must cover emissions from all sources. Friends of the Earth has been calling, through The Big Ask campaign, for a climate change bill which commits the UK to reducing its emissions by 3 percent a year and which covers emissions from international shipping and aviation."

Friends of the Earth says that the Climate Change Bill should:

• Ensure that UK carbon dioxide emissions are cut by an average of at least three per cent every year;
• Include international aviation & shipping emissions;
• Establish a tough independent body to set future targets and demand action when targets slip;
• Require an annual progress report to Parliament, with a debate, led by the Prime Minister.

There is now a huge coalition of organisations, politicians and political parties calling for a climate change law which will require the Government to make annual cuts in the UK's carbon dioxide emissions. This includes 412 MPs (just under two thirds of the 646 MPs), all the main opposition parties and Stop Climate Chaos - a coalition of environment and development organisations, unions, faith, community and women's groups.

Friends of the Earth is a founding member of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition. The coalition's campaign, "I Count" is designed to inspire personal and political action and counter the view that climate change is too big a problem to fix. More information at: icount.org.uk

Background

The Climate Change Bill

Ministers have said the draft bill is likely to include the following measures:

It will put the Government's long term goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60 percent by 2050 into statute. It will also set "appropriate interim targets" for cutting carbon emissions.

It will establish an independent body to work with Government to reduce emissions over time and across the economy.

Ministers have also indicated that the Bill will include enabling powers which allow them to establish and vary new emissions reduction measures.

It will require the Government to make an annual report to Parliament on progress towards meeting emissions reductions.

Friends of the Earth's View

Friends of the Earth welcomes the Government's commitment to producing a legal framework for tackling carbon dioxide emissions. This is the central demand of The Big Ask Campaign (www.thebigask.com).

However, if the UK is to lead the world in tackling climate change the Bill needs to have muscle. This means:

The cuts in carbon dioxide emissions proposed by the Bill need to ensure the UK plays its part in keeping global temperatures from rising two degrees above pre industrial levels - the temperature rise recognised by the EU as a `danger level' we should not breach. Friends of the Earth believe that this requires a cut of at least three percent each year through to 2050 (which would add up to a cut of around 80% by 2050). The Government's current target - a cut in emissions of 60 percent by 2050 - is no longer considered to be a sufficient contribution by the UK or other developed countries. In addition it fails to take account of the UK's share of emissions from international shipping and aviation.

The Bill must include a robust framework that ensures all future Governments are held accountable for their role in keeping the UK on track to meet its emission reduction targets. If targets for reducing emissions span more than one Government's term in office a Government may avoid taking action to cut emissions, knowing that its successor will get the blame for missing targets. Friends of the Earth has proposed annual targets for cutting emissions so that it is clear whether or not the Government in power is on track for delivering the emissions reduction targets.

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