Flint calls for local and
global action on climate change

22 October 2004

Caroline Flint today launched a campaign for local, national and international action on Global warming:

Caroline Flint said: "Climate change is real. Levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, one of the main causes of
climate change, have risen by more than a third since the
industrial revolution.

"This has led to rising temperatures: over the 20th century, the earth warmed up by about 0.6°C largely due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. The 1990s were the warmest decade since records began.

"We will still depend on coal and oil for a long time; and we will still need cars and airports. But that doesn't mean we can't take action now. The Government is putting the UK on a path to a 60% reduction in its carbon dioxide emissions but the Government cannot stop climate change alone. It has to be a local, national and global effort.

"Locally, I want to see our homes, businesses and schools become as energy efficient as possible, saving precious fuel. Nationally we can produce far more of our energy through renewable sources. Globally we can make sure that the world community reduces the carbon emissions that lead to global warming

"Next year, Britain will lead both the European Union and the G8 group of industrialized countries. The Prime Minister has said he wants to focus on the Environment, which I welcome. I want to show the Government and the international community that there is real pressure growing for action - that people are not prepared to put off progress on Global Warming.

"If anyone would like copies of this petition to distribute in their street or in their community group, just call my office on
01302 366778."