28/03/2006
- The Environment Agency today said that measures
announced in the Government’s Climate Change Programme
are a step in the right direction, but fall short
of matching the Prime Minister's clear ambition
to lead the world in the response to climate change.
As the scientists have given ever
more clear and disturbing assessments of the impacts
of the changing climate, the policy-makers need
to keep up and deliver a realistic response.
In particular, after more than
one year of discussion, it is time for a bold decision
on the cap for the emissions trading system - the
Government needs to aim now for the most ambitious
end of the published range.
"While I am disappointed
measures cannot deliver the 20% target, we must
see today’s announcement as another step on the
long road to combating climate change," Barbara
Young, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency,
said.
"But we are running out of
road fast and the next steps must be taken urgently
if we are to respond to the fundamental challenge
to our water, agriculture, ecology, communities
and economy that we face from climate change.
"The science is giving us
the most dire warnings, yet we are only doing half
of what we need to do.
"Between now and 2010, Government
will be making decisions that could reduce greenhouse
gases in the Spending Review, Budget, Energy Review
and sustainable communities programme. These must
address the transport system, redesigning and upgrading
the building stock and tackling the rampant waste
of energy throughout the economy.
"In particular we must keep
up relentless pressure for efficiencies on the biggest
industrial polluters and energy users. Given the
risks, we just can't justify requiring any less
than the most ambitious cap for the Emissions Trading
Scheme."
"However, we must also remember
that the climate change challenge we face cannot
be solved by Government alone. It is also about
the choices that each person makes every day - their
use of cars, electricity, air travel and emissions
created.
"We need a fundamental change
to consumer and business behaviour - if the UK Government
does not take the lead internationally, then who
will?" Barbara Young said.
