Lib Dems commit to 40% cut in carbon emissions by 2020 (Wantage and Didcot Liberal Democrats)

Wantage and Didcot Liberal Democrats <info@wantagelibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems commit to 40% cut in carbon emissions by 2020

September 24, 2009 3:27 PM

Liberal Democrats want to see a massive switch to renewable energy generation: wind, sun and tides rather than fossil fuels

On the final day of the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference, the Party approved radical plans to combat climate change, including commitments to action to deliver a 40% cut in Britain's greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, even if there is no international climate deal at Copenhagen. There was also unanimous support for the 10:10 initiative, under which councils and individuals commit to cutting their energy needs by 10% during 2010.

The main motion called for:

An effective global agreement at Copenhagen, requiring a 40% emissions cut by developed countries by 2020
Action to deliver a 40% cut in Britain's greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, even if there is no international climate deal
The reform of OFGEM to guarantee fair prices for energy consumers and roll out of a UK-wide warm homes programme so that every home is energy efficient by 2020
Mandatory carbon reports on investments by all businesses and banks, and an end to taxpayer support for investments in high-polluting fuels like tar sands extraction
$160bn extra support from the rich to the developing world in climate adaptation and mitigation finance each year from 2013 to 2017

Commenting, Lib Dem Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary Simon Hughes MP said: "We are staring into the abyss - the tipping point for climate change catastrophe is dangerously close. Copenhagen is the best chance for governments to secure a tough deal which prevents global temperatures from rising by more than two degrees. Support for Heathrow expansion and a new generation of dirty coal exposes a Labour Government that gives a nudge and a wink to countries wanting to obstruct a serious global climate deal."

Mr Hughes added: "We have the opportunity to show real leadership on how an advanced economy can follow a path towards sustainable growth. Liberal Democrat plans would put Britain at the forefront of a low carbon revolution, create thousands of new green jobs, save people money and secure the UK's energy future. To preserve our economic and environmental future, we need to make serious cuts now. That means a 10% reduction in UK emissions in 2010."