LIB DEMS BACK CAMPAIGN FOR BIG CUTS IN CARBON EMISSIONS (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

LIB DEMS BACK CAMPAIGN FOR BIG CUTS IN CARBON EMISSIONS

October 6, 2009 12:00 AM

York's ruling Liberal Democrat group will next week call on Councillors to back a campaign aimed at driving forward cuts in the authority's carbon emissions.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Ann Reid has submitted a motion to be discussed at the full Council meeting on 15th October which, if passed, would see the Council signing up to the 10:10 campaign to reduce carbon emissions.

The 10:10 campaign calls on individuals, businesses and other organisations to work towards a 10% cut in carbon emissions in 2010.

The campaign aims to show world leaders that there is public support for dramatic cuts in global carbon emissions in the hope of encouraging an international agreement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which meets in Copenhagen in December.

Councillor Reid said the Council had already taken bold steps to ensure a reduction in its carbon emissions. She said, "Earlier this year the Council Executive approved a carbon management plan developed in partnership with The Carbon Trust. This aims to deliver a 25% cut in emissions by 2013."

"As part of the carbon management plan we are investing in low carbon technology and are changing the way we operate to reduce emissions. We are also working to change people's habits to cut down on unnecessary waste."

Councillor Reid said that despite the work the Council was already undertaking, it was still important for the authority to back the 10:10 campaign. She said, "Even though we have already set ourselves ambitious targets, signing up to a national campaign like 10:10 can help drive forward the changes needed."

"It can also help to encourage others to join the campaign and create momentum for large scale reductions in emissions."

Councillor Reid added that signing up to the campaign would also send a strong message ahead of the UN climate change convention. She said "By signing up to the 10:10 campaign we are joining forces with individuals, businesses and other groups across the country in sending the message to government that we are committed to taking action on climate change and that we expect our government to do the same."

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg backed the campaign saying "I am pleased to support the proposal for City of York Council to sign up to the 10:10 campaign, as part of the Lib Dem run council's commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2013."