South West in an "excellent position" to deliver Government climate change bill
15/11/2006 14:15Sustainability South West – the region’s independent champion of sustainable development – welcomes the Government’s proposed Climate Change Bill announced in today’s Queen’s Speech and believes the South West of England can “lead the way in low carbon living by adopting a Regional Carbon Action Plan”.
Sustainability South West (SSW) supports the Government’s intention to step up its response to climate change, described by Government as “the biggest long term threat that we now face”. SSW believes that the South West of England can lead the UK in low carbon living and working through the adoption of a Regional Carbon Action Plan, with annual targets for reducing emissions.
Today’s announcement of a Climate Change Bill will help to reinforce SSW’s pro-active new project. Fair Shares, Fair Choice will allow organisations and individuals in the region to develop their own carbon reduction action plans. Tools, such as a carbon calculator, will help people to make workplace and lifestyle choices about how they use carbon. Fair Shares, Fair Choice has been backed by the Government’s Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as a move for the region to reduce its carbon footprint.
“A Climate Change Bill is just what we have been waiting for,” commented Leslie Watson, SSW Director. “Experts advise that we may only have ten years to achieve the CO2 reductions required to avert runaway climate change so we have no time to wait!”
“The South West region is in an excellent position to lead the UK in low carbon living. As the fastest growing region in the UK – yet geographically comparatively peripheral, we need and are well placed to increase the generation of local renewable energy; supporting local sourcing of goods and services and sustainable lifestyles backed by sustainable economic development. By adopting Fair Shares, Fair Choice, the South West could gain more competitive, innovative businesses; healthier lifestyles; locally generated clean energy; boost our economy by sourcing goods and services more locally and make huge savings from more energy efficient buildings resulting in a thriving economy fit for the 21st century and a more secure future for the people of the South West.”
For more information about Fair Shares, Fair Choice, please contact Sustainability South West on 0117 933 0249 or e-mail them: info@sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk
© 2007 Sustainability South West - UK registered charity, no. 1106125 - info@sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk.