Change climate change
Windier, warmer, wetter weather – that’s what the future holds for the UK. And it’s all because of our addiction to fossil fuels like coal and oil.
We can’t stop man-made climate change completely, but we can stop the average global temperature rising above 2oC - the ‘tipping point’ beyond which the impacts of climate change on people, habitats and species will be catastrophic.
If, as many scientists and pundits say, we have around a 10-year window to take the actions needed to stop climate chaos, then the next 18 months are going to be vital.
On March 12, The Chancellor, Alistair Darling, will be giving his first budget speech. What will he be announcing to support efforts to tackle climate change? More government support for renewable, micro-generation and energy efficiency? Or will it instead favour the building of new nuclear and coal power stations, the Severn Barrage and airport expansion?
This summer sees the UK Climate Bill pass into law and before the end of the year Scotland will have a climate bill of its own. So what are the other key dates to look out for?
- May 2008 - English local government and mayoral elections. These elections are very important in holding politicians to account and ensuring we put climate change at the heart of political debate - and action
- July 2008 - the next G8 meeting – an increasingly influential event in helping to shape the global debate on climate change
- Summer 2008 - the UK’s Climate Bill passes into law. This is good news but it must include a commitment to cut CO2 levels by 80% by 2050 if it is to be effective
- Autumn 2008 - first UK ‘carbon budgets’ will be announced by the new Climate Change Committee, which is charged with ensuring that government targets are met
- November 2008 - US Presidential elections. Whoever wins will, after the Bush years, urgently need to show leadership in tackling climate change, both in the US and internationally
- June 2009 - we will vote for our MEPs. And during his period there could even be a general election
Other important milestones to look out for…
- Government’s decisions on the Kingsnorth coal power station
- Lewis wind-farm
- Severn Barrage feasibility study
Thinking about what you can do to make a difference? Download our Climate Change Calendar for your personal guide to making a difference