Climate campaigning MP bolstered by postcard support

25 January 2008
Topics: Climate, Politics

When: Friday 25th January 1.00-1.15 pm

Where: Outside Teviot Row House, Bristo Square, EH8 9AL

Who: Edinburgh MP Nigel Griffiths [1], Friends of the Earth Scotland Chief
Executive Duncan McLaren and Dave Reay, Edinburgh University researcher and
author of 'Climate Change begins at home' [2]

What: Nigel will be receiving a handover of dozens of 'Big Ask' postcards
gathered from constituents by Friends of the Earth - recognising his
support for key elements of the Big Ask - an 80% emissions reduction target
and the inclusion of international aviation emissions in UK targets [3].

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

[1] Nigel Griffiths MP has recently presented the UK Parliament with an
Early Day Motion, supported by 71 other MPs encouraging a stronger UK
climate bill that is currently proposed in the draft bill.
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=34898&SESSION=891

[2] More info at http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/homes/dreay

[3] Friends of the Earth Scotland is calling for the Climate Law to be
strengthened – this will be essential for it to succeed – specific changes
needed are:

·     Bigger cuts: The Government proposes 60% cuts of carbon dioxide by
2050. There is wide scientific recognition there needs to be reductions of
at least 80%.

·     Annual targets: The Government wants five-year milestones for reducing
carbon dioxide. We want shorter, annual targets – to hold Parliament to
account now and in the future.

·     Aviation and shipping: International flights and shipping emissions
are excluded. We need these to be included as they are the fastest growing
source of carbon dioxide emissions.

The cuts in carbon dioxide emissions proposed by the Bill need to ensure the
UK plays its part in keeping global temperatures from rising two degrees
above pre industrial levels - the temperature rise recognised by the EU as a
'danger level' we should not breach.

Friends of the Earth believe that this requires a cut of at least three
percent each year through to 2050 (which would add up to a cut of around 80%
by 2050). The Government's current target - a cut in emissions of 60 percent
by 2050 - is no longer considered to be a sufficient contribution by the UK
or other developed countries. In addition it fails to take account of the
UK's share of emissions from international shipping and aviation.

JOIN US

Working for positive change...

REAL WORLD RADIO

Listen to Friends of the Earth Internationals' radio station

GET ACTIVE

Get involved with our campaigns

Free e-newsletter