Climate Change
“…climate change is the most severe problem we are facing today, more serious than the threat of terrorism…” Sir David King, Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor.
Climate change experts now advise that action taken over the next 8-10 years will count most in the battle to prevent very dangerous runaway climate change and that levels of CO2 in the atmosphere should not exceed 450 ‘parts per million’. Whilst SSW recognises that all greenhouse gases need to be tackled, we are focusing on CO2 reduction as the most pressing issue and one in which everyone can play their part.
SSW supports the ‘contraction and convergence’ framework for reducing global CO2 emissions. This is based on safe and ‘fair’ carbon allocations for all nations, calculated according to population size and current development ‘needs’ (for more info see www.fairsharesfairchoice.com/the_science.asp). SSW is in favour of the principle of personal tradable carbon allowances and is lobbying government to explore workable schemes.
SSW supports an integrated approach to climate change which maximises gains in other areas eg strengthened local communities and overall environmental enhancement. Strong leadership will be required for truly sustainable carbon reduction measures to be achieved.
We believe that policy, whether national or regional, should facilitate and support local action by both local authorities and communities. The climate change bill is an opportunity to get frameworks in place which accelerate CO2 reductions over the next decade. The final bill must be based on accurate UK's emissions figures including our share of CO2 emissions from international aviation or shipping (which are currently excluded).
We can all play our part to take action on climate change – see SSW’s Fair Shares, Fair Choice website for ideas on actions you and your organisation can take today.
Click here to read SSW’s full response to the draft climate change bill.
Click here to read SSW's comments on plans for a new regional climate change plan.
© 2007 Sustainability South West - UK registered charity, no. 1106125 - info@sustainabilitysouthwest.org.uk.