MP Vows to Save Planet

06.02.06

Edward Davey MP has made a “new year resolution” to support a campaign to stop climate change.  His pledge is in response to dozens of postcards that he has receive from local – and the news that 2005 was the warmest year in the Northern Hemisphere since records began.

Edward Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton has received over 88 postcards, emails, and letters asking him to support the climate Bill which would set a legal framework requiring future governments to cut carbon dioxide emissions every year. Carbon dioxide is the main “greenhouse” gas responsible for climate change as it traps heat in the earth’s atmosphere just as glass traps heat in a greenhouse. Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and is causing the climate to warm up. To stop this happening, scientists say we have to dramatically reduce the amount of fossil fuels we burn.

Locals have been lobbying Edward Davey with the help of friends of the earth who have launched the Big Ask campaign to push for the climate Change Bill to become law. Over 300 MPs of all parties are supporting the campaign.

Government experts  have warned that unless we take action to stop climate change we face:-

-    Increased flooding and storms – since 1998 the cost of repairing the damage from extreme weather events and floods in the UK has increased by 60 per cent.

-    Sea levels could rise by as much as 86cm (almost 3 feet) by 2080.

-    The heaviest winter rainstorms, that currently take place around once every two years, are expected increase in intensity by between 5 and 2 per cent.

Edward Davey MP said:

“I am delighted so many constituents have lobbied me on climate change. Scientists tell us we have to cut our fossil fuel use dramatically if we are not to cause terrible problems with our climate. Yet since 1997, emissions of Carbon dioxide have risen, not fallen.

This problem must be a priority for every government, of every party, for at least the next 50 years. We cannot sit back and hope someone will solve it sometime in the future. I am supporting this campaign because it sets up a framework to make sure all Governments tackle the problem by making a 3 per cent cut in emission every single year. It is essential for us to stop dangerous climate change – the Liberal democrats have long argued for such action.

Martyn Williams:
We welcome Mr Davey’s support for this campaign to tackle climate change. The hard fact is our Government isn’t doing enough about climate change – things are getting worse, not better. There are so many things we could be doing tat we would save energy, reduce fossil fuel use and save us money. We need more energy efficient homes, appliances, transport systems and schools and hospitals. We need more alternative sources of energy. But for all of these we need Government to make it a priority to develop, encourage and help these technologies become affordable.”