Commenting on today’s report from the Climate Committee (1), Green Party leader Caroline Lucas MP said:
“There’s a huge disconnect here. The minister [Caroline Spelman MP] says ‘Climate change is an absolute priority for this Government’ in the very same press release that the committee chair [Lord Krebs] says ‘very little tangible action has taken place on the ground’.
“When are Cameron and Clegg going to realise that this issue is far too serious for half-hearted policy dressed up in the usual spin about how serious it is?”
The MP for Brighton Pavilion continued:
“Actions speak louder than words. The requisite action is a radical investment programme (2) of the kind this government absolutely refuses to countenance. That’s the only thing that will meet the science-based targets, which the government also refuses to adopt.”
The Green Party says the necessary targets must include 10% cut in UK emissions in the coming year, with commitment to year-on-year targets leading to at least 40-50% cuts from 1990 levels by 2020, and 90% by 2030. Caroline Lucas concluded:
“This is the crucial time, because if we don’t make the necessary emissions cuts in the next few years it may be too late to avoid dangerous climate change. Cameron and Clegg will go down in history either as the leaders who finally took the necessary action, or as the people who failed to deliver at the crucial time.”
“Put your money where your mouth is”
Caroline Lucas also pointed out that Defra has admitted there is no new money for adaptation programmes (3). She criticised minister Caroline Spelman for putting the responsibility for action on individuals and companies:
" Caroline Spelman is wrong to say inaction isn't an option. Inaction is this government's policy. The threat to individual life and to this country's way of life are greater from climate change than any other danger. We have the appeal for volunteers for the Home Guard, while the regular armed forces do nothing. And Dad's Army will not be enough to prevent climate change or deal with the consequences."
Notes
1. The independent body that advises government on climate adaptation (the Adaptation Sub-Committee of the Committee on Climate Change) has issued its report today. See its press release at http://downloads.theccc.org.uk.s3.amazonaws.com/ASC/press_release_ASC_preparedness_16.09.10.pdf.
2. The Green Party’s 2010 general election manifesto included a costed plan for investing £44bn in kick-starting in earnest the transformation of the UK economy towards a post-carbon economy. See http://www.greenparty.org.uk/assets/files/resources/Manifesto_web_file.pdf.
3. For more on this please see http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/britain-must-adapt-to-inevitable-climate-change-warns-minister-2077175.html.