10th December 2005

Mistaken priorities set "disastrous precedent"

Environmental minister Eliott Morley has admitted this week that the UK is only on target to cut emissions by 11% by 2010, just over half of the 20% objective. Increasing reliance on coal-generated energy combined with slackening government support for renewable energy and housing efficiency measures have caused progress towards the aim to flounder.

Philip Booth, a Gloucestershire Green party spokesperson, comments:  "This is the first time the Government has admitted just how dire the state of emissions reductions are - but astonishingly the concession has failed to bring with it any promise of change. By failing to meet the objective a disastrous precedent will be set for the success of further climate change measures."

Philip Booth continued: "Targets to have 10% of energy coming from renewable sources by 2010 are also failing, the amount now a paltry 3% (i), and housing efficiency standards have been watered down as well. Climate change is an urgent issue, but Government priorities unacceptably fail to reflect this."

Philip Booth concluded: "Focus groups and press releases don't reduce carbon emissions. Our Government must urgently develop the political courage and political will to set tough targets and tighter regulation."


Notes:

(i) The Government claims to be interested in renewable energy, but funding cuts have effectively starved advances in wind, solar and combined heating and power units.  Meanwhile coal is increasing our global burden and excessive attention and financial resources are given to the polluting and dangerous nuclear energy program. Any hope for a future of reduced carbon emissions must devote serious attention to renewable energy. The Government's priorities are seriously skewed. 33% of energy comes from coal-fired power stations, which produce the most emissions of all types of energy generation.  The Government cites power from coal as the most cost-effective means of generating energy, given high gas prices, but the amount of carbon generated by coal energy is enough to counteract all other measures to reduce emissions.