Archived press release

UK climate strategies must lead to urgent and rapid emission cuts

13 July 2009

Commenting on reports about next week's Government strategies for tackling climate change, Friends of the Earth's Campaigns Director Mike Childs said:

"The cost of tackling climate change will be dwarfed by the financial and human consequences of failing to act.

"Creating a safer future by cutting energy waste and developing the UK's vast renewable energy potential can bring huge benefits too.

"This country has one of the best renewable energy resources in the world which could slash emissions, create new green jobs and industries and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

"Next week's Government strategies for tackling climate change are critical. They must show how this country will make fast and urgent cuts in emissions and demonstrate genuine international leadership ahead of crucial UN global warming negotiations in Copenhagen later this year."

Commenting on today's reports about the forthcoming introduction of feed in tariffs - paying homes, communities and businesses for generating green power from small scale renewable energy schemes - Friends of the Earth's Campaigns Director Mike Childs said:

"Feed in tariffs can play a significant part in helping the UK meet its climate change and renewable energy targets - but the payments have to be generous enough to reward people for investing in green power."

Notes to editors

1. The Government is expected to announce a number of strategies next week aimed at meeting the requirements of the Climate Change Act - for which Friends of the Earth led the campaign - which requires the Government to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent of 1990 levels by 2050, and by 34 per cent by 2020.

And following new EU rules, the UK must also ensure that at least 15 per cent of UK energy comes form renewable sources by 2020 - which is expected to require 30-35 per cent of UK electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020.

2. The Government agreed to introduce a feed in tariff in November last year following a successful campaign by Friends of the Earth.
http://www.r-e-a.net/info/rea-news/winners-of-the-annual-british-renewable-energy-awards-2009/?searchterm=

3. 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.

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