Government must act on CO2 and not just talk, say Uttlesford Liberal Democrats (Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats)

Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats <info@saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk>

Government must act on CO2 and not just talk, say Uttlesford Liberal Democrats

December 4, 2007 10:08 PM

Labour's record of failure on climate change exposed

Government must act on CO2 and not just talk, say Uttlesford Liberal Democrats

New figures have been released showing huge variations in the amount of carbon emitted by people across the UK. This is the third year DEFRA have published these statistics broken down by local authority. The figures show that a total of 9.3 tonnes of CO2 were emitted for each person in the UK in 2005. This compares with a global average of around 2.5 tonnes per capita (2003 figure).

The report shows extremely worrying variations in CO2 emissions across the country. Uttlesford Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Cllr Peter Wilcock said:

"Uttlesford's figures show that 13.1 tonnes per person was emitted. This is over 40% higher than the national average of 9.3 tonnes and over five times the global average.

"The Government must act and not just talk about making homes more energy efficient, to help families to reduce their carbon footprints.

"So far the Government's attempts to reduce carbon emissions from homes have been pitiful. A handful of 'eco towns' is no substitute for ensuring that all new homes become zero-carbon.

Speaking last week after attending a region-wide workshop on climate change at Bury St. Edmunds, Cllr Alan Dean said: "We started to produce a regional action plan that would require councils like Uttlesford to ensure its purchasing decisions take account of the carbon impact of what it buys. Some people wanted action to prevent Stansted Airport wiping out other carbon reductions. Another requirement was more reliable and more frequent public transport."

Uttlesford District Council recently launched its own climate change strategy.

The chairman of the council, Cllr Catherine Dean, has met with a good response from residents keen to know their carbon footprint and how to reduce it. Cllr Wilcock added: This example should be followed by the government. It should make it easier and cheaper for people to reduce carbon output by providing more renewable energy, subsidizing solar panels, requiring builders of market housing to build in energy saving measures to at least the same standard as required for affordable homes."