We know climate change is a problem, with a disproportionate impact on the world’s poorest people. That’s why Tearfund has been campaigning for ambitious emissions reductions targets in the Climate Change Bill and UN climate agreement to ensure justice for those hit hardest. But setting targets without following through is as weak as New Year’s resolutions forgotten by mid-January. We need to make sure that decisions the government makes now about the UK’s energy future won’t compromise what they’ve already committed to.
Now is a turning point in the UK’s energy generation story. Coal-fired power stations set to close in 2009 will leave a gap in the nation’s energy supply. We could use this moment to be innovative and ambitious, or continue to close our eyes to the consequences of exploiting fossil fuels.
With the Stop Climate Chaos coalition, we are starting to campaign on energy. We have a vision of a green energy future based, not on business as usual, but on increased energy efficiency and renewable energy sources that are already readily available. By getting energy generation right, we can meet necessary emissions reductions targets and keep the lights on. We can also ensure our lifestyles no longer harm our neighbours in poor communities across the world.
Add your voice and take action. Say no to new coal fired power station that will make it nearly impossible for the UK to make the promised emissions cuts in the Climate Change Bill.
Say yes to finding at least 15% of our energy from UK renewables by 2020 and increased efficiency.
The future is in our hands. Our green energy future is possible, but we must demand it. The cost of inaction is too high.