Friends of the Earth will urge regional decision makers and businesses, attending a Climate Summit in Brighton tomorrow (Friday 30 March) that they must take urgent action to cut carbon dioxide emissions. The Regional Assembly is holding the summit in order to raise awareness and encourage action on climate change 1. Dr Sarah Mander from The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of Manchester will also call for action to be taken in the next four years in order to protect the residents and economy of South East England, as well as the rest of the UK 1.
Dr Mander is one of the authors of 'Living within a carbon budget', the first comprehensive route map showing how swift action on climate change will protect lives, livelihoods and our economy. The report shows the positive steps that must be taken by individuals, companies and public bodies to head off the worst impacts of global warming.
Friends of the Earth's Regional Campaigns Co-ordinator, Brenda Pollack, said: "Climate change is one of the biggest threats the region faces. The Regional Assembly and local decision-makers and businesses must put climate change at the heart of all their policies and drastically reduce the region's carbon footprint. Many of the solutions needed to tackle global warming already exist. But action is needed to ensure that they are urgently introduced."
Dr Mander, Deputy Leader, Tyndall Centre Climate Change and Energy Programme commented: "Our report shows that not only do we need more cuts in emissions than the Government is committed to but these reductions have to start immediately. Carbon dioxide emissions must be cut by 70% in the next 30 years if the UK is to play its part in avoiding dangerous climate change. We illustrate how to reduce emissions across the UK and we'd like to see the South East Region working to deliver its share."
The Big Ask campaign is calling on the Government to introduce a law which commits it to cutting the UK's carbon emissions by three percent annually. A strong climate change law would require the Government to make it easier and cheaper for us all to be climate friendly. www.thebigask.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article