The UK can be a global climate leader but it will requires action and investment

Today is both Earth Day and the beginning of a major international climate summit.

The US has made a huge statement today saying it will halve its carbon emissions by 2030. Earlier in the week the UK government announced it would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2035.  But without targeted, concerted, well-funded action these targets will not be met.

General Secretary of Prospect Mike Clancy said:

“As we mark Earth Day it is encouraging to see governments around the world, including in the UK, pledging to further cut emissions.

“However if a new green economy is actually going to work for working people, we need a proper plan and proper funding to get there.

“Right now, the UK government should commit to new energy strategy with concrete plans for more new nuclear plants beyond Hinkley Point C, and a strategy to deliver green jobs, here in the UK, as renewable generation is introduced.

“The government has committed to protecting biodiversity but is still not properly funding agencies like Natural England and the Environment Agency which look after it.

“With COP26 in Glasgow later this year the government must take the chance to be a genuine global leader but this will require action and money. The never-ending positive rhetoric is beginning to sound hollow.”