MPs attack Government record on climate change
The Government is not doing enough to tackle climate change according to a report published on Sunday by cross-party group of MPs.
The Environmental Audit Committee berates ministers for believing that new technology and market mechanisms will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The select committee warns that Britain and the rest of the developing world must cut emissions by 60 to 80 per cent by 2050.
But in an attack on the European Emissions Trading Scheme, MPs warn that the EU initiative will have a minimal impact on reducing greenhouse gases and could lead to windfall profits for electricity generators.
The audit committee also warns that ministers are “wantonly squandering” the UK’s leadership on climate change because of the government’s attempt to increase the amount of carbon dioxide that can be omitted by British industry over the next three years.
The GHvernment is currently involved in legal wrangling with the European Commission over the attempt to increase Britain’s emission allowances under EU rules.
The select committee report concludes that in holding the EU and G8 presidencies Britain has “a unique opportunity to provide leadership internationally on the issue of climate change.”
But MPs accuse the Government of “creating the appearance of activity” while “evading the harder national and international political decisions” over climate change.
Speaking to Radio Five Live, chairman of the select committee, Peter Ainsworth MP said: “The Government chief scientists and Tony Blair have both said that climate change is one of the most serious problems facing mankind, and Tony Blair has rightly put it at the head of his international agenda.”
“The trouble is that the rhetoric isn’t translating into action.”
“The time for talking about this problem is drawing to an end, what we really do need now is a programme for action, and that’s what we’re trying to impress on the Government through this report,” he added.
