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Jul 31
Gordon Brown must do much better than his predecessor, Tony Blair, if the UK is to play a leading role in tackling the catastrophic threats of climate change and biodiversity loss, a new report [1] by leading academics warns today.
The new report, New Labour, New Environment?, is an in depth study of Labour's green record since 1997. It concludes that over the past decade the environment has mostly been a low priority for Labour, with Tony Blair's government failing to respond effectively to mounting scientific warnings on climate change and biodiversity loss.
The reports authors - Dr Neil Carter from the Centre for Ecology, Law and Policy, University of York and Dr David Ockwell from the Sussex Energy Group, SPRU, University of Sussex - urge Gordon Brown to seize the "unprecedented window of opportunity" that currently exists and to introduce tough and effective policies to tackle climate change and increase biodiversity protection. But they also express disappointment with the new Prime Minister's early actions because there has been "no indication that environmental concerns shaped the formation of his first Government".
The report, partially funded by Friends of the Earth, focuses on climate change and biodiversity loss, and draws heavily on interviews with leading academics, politicians and environmentalists, who are widely quoted in the report.
Dr Neil Carter, of the Centre of Ecology, Law and Policy at the University of York, said:
"The science on climate change and biodiversity loss is clear; we have limited time to act if we are to prevent catastrophic impacts. Whilst there is evidence that politicians understand the science, at least with regards to climate change, the policy response to date has been far from adequate."
Dr David Ockwell of the Sussex Energy Group in SPRU at the University of Sussex, said:
"We need tough policies that respond to the urgency of the challenges. Government must stand up to short-term vested interests and act instead for our long-term wellbeing. The "bottom line" here isn't just financial - the bottom line is that without urgent action on climate change and biodiversity we stand poised to put an end to life on Earth as we know it."
Tony Juniper, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, said:
"Gordon Brown must make environmental issues a priority. We stand on the edge of a global catastrophe. Firm action from our political leaders is required, not warm words. The Prime Minister must seize the opportunity to make the UK a global leader in developing a low carbon economy and biodiversity protection. He must spell out his vision for a greener Britain, including a commitment to strengthening Government plans for a new climate change law."
The report also concluded that:
Tony Blair's Government took some action to address climate change and biodiversity loss, but not nearly enough to tackle the extent of the problem as indicated by the scientific evidence.
Labour and the environment some statistics
Carbon dioxide emissions are now two per cent higher than they were when Labour came to power [2].
Other key report findings:
Without urgent policy action within the next decade to reverse climate change and biodiversity loss, the next 30 to 100 years are likely to witness catastrophic impacts on the global economy and on human health and wellbeing.
There was a lack of joined-up Government under Blair. Environmental issues cut across policy sectors, such as transport, energy, housing, farming, economic policy and trade. It is crucial to integrate environmental concerns across every department and policy sector. Unfortunately Gordon Brown's recent reshuffle failed to address this challenge.
Progressive environmental policies often require regulation or taxation, which challenge `New Labour's' efforts to be more business friendly. There has been little pressure on the Government from the wider Labour Party to take a tougher stance on the environment and green groups have not mustered enough public pressure.
Notes to Editors
Advance copies of the report and full conclusions are available from the contacts below.
The report is available from Friday morning at
Centre for Ecology, Law and Policy (CELP) -
Sussex Energy Group -
Contacts
Mike Childs 07768 792 678 (m)
Friends of the Earth Press office: 020 7566 1649
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
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