UN verdict on UK climate change policy shows it’s time for immediate U-turn

19 October 2015

*Chief environmental scientist: UK renewables subsidies withdrawn while fossil fuel industry enhanced

The UK government cannot continue with its current energy policies, according to the Green Party, after the government’s approach was given a damning verdict by the UN's chief environmental scientist.

Professor Jacquie McGlade was concerned to “see [renewables] subsidies being withdrawn and the fossil fuel industry being enhanced”, adding “It's a very serious signal - a very perverse signal that we do not want to create.”[1]

Natalie Bennett, the Green Party’s leader is urging David Cameron to listen to the experts and head to the Paris climate change talks with an action plan that acknowledges the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Bennett said:

"The concerns expressed by the UN demonstrates it’s time for immediate action. If the Prime Minster won’t listen to voices from within the UK who are saying it’s now or never when it comes to us hitting our climate change targets; then he should listen to the international experts.

“David Cameron has to show that he’s serious about tackling climate change. The United Nations Climate Change conference in Paris begins in a few weeks, it would be ridiculous if the UK delegation were to head there having continued to cut renewables subsidies and planning for a new airport runway in London.”

ENDS

Notes:

[1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-34555821

·         In 2015, France will be hosting and presiding the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21/CMP11), otherwise known as “Paris 2015” from November 30th to December 11th. COP21 will be a crucial conference, as it needs to achieve a new international agreement on the climate, applicable to all countries, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C. 

http://www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/cop21-cmp11/what-cop21-cmp11

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