After pressure from Friends of the Earth and other organisations, on 15th November 2006 in the Queen's Speech, the Government announced plans to introduce a bill to tackle climate change.
A draft bill was published in March 2007. Friends of the Earth felt that the Bill was not strong enough:
The principal target for a 60% cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 is not ambitious enough. The target of a 60% cut in carbon dioxide was based on the best available science seven years ago. Scientific research since then shows that we need to be aiming for an 80% cut in emissions. We need 3% cuts each year to get us on a steady pathway towards that target.
Emissions from international aviation and shipping should be included. At present the proposal does not include international aviation and shipping emissions. Emissions from both these sectors are growing fast, and leaving them out compounds the fact that overall carbon cuts are too small.
Early Day Motion 736 has been raised in Parliament by Labour MP Nigel Griffiths to gather support for a strengthened Bill.Contact your local MP to ask him to sign EDM 736
A number of Staffordshire organisations are running a consultation on climate change called Our County, Our Climate, Our Choice. There are workshops in locations throughout the county, at which you can give your views on climate change and how it affects Staffordshire. |
