Greens promote low carbon future
08 September 2005
The panel featured Jeremy Leggett, of Solar Century, the UK's leading solar company as well as Green MEP Caroline Lucas and Cllr John Whitelegg, leader of the North West Greens and Green Party Spokesperson on Sustainable Development. Also speaking was Rebecca Willis author of the recent report "Small or Atomic? Comparing the finances of nuclear and micro-generated energy."
Prior to the panel John Whitelegg commented:
"This is a critical time to be discussing energy. The government is considering a recommitment to nuclear power, this would be a disastrous decision for the UK and a lost opportunity to commit to a renewable energy future."
Opening the panel discussion MEP Caroline Lucas argued for a change of attitude regarding a low carbon future:
"To achieve the cuts in carbon emissions which are needed, we don't just need new technologies we need a different culture and different economies."
"But crucially, that different way of life, that low carbon future, doesn't need to be a bleak or frightening prospect, based on more employment, healthier food, and stronger communities with clean, safe, reliable public transport."
Rebecca Willis went on to outline the cost of reinvestment in nuclear power versus investment in renewable energy sources and energy conservation and in conclusion stated:
"Leaving aside all the health, environmental and security issues surrounding nuclear power, the bottom line is that nuclear power is not the cheap option when you compare it with renewable sources. If we commit to conservation of energy, combined with renewable sources we will save billions of pounds compared to the nuclear option." (1)
The Green Party conference continues until Sunday with a number of key events still to come such as the panel on terrorism which takes place tomorrow.
ENDS
Notes:(1) www.green-alliance.org.uk
