The new Climate Change Committee headed up by Adair Turner has just published its first stab at advising the UK government on how to reach it target of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. One of the most striking things in the advice is the recommendation that we need to eat less carbon-intensive meat like beef. Hurrah!
During its XXII Congress, held 10-12 October in Paris, Andrew Duff MEP (Lib Dem, East of England) was elected as president of the Union of European Federalists. When presenting his candidacy, Mr Duff outlined the Federalists' response to the current events: "Above all, the European federalists are truly engaged to combat the rise of nationalism. At a time when Europe is facing security challenges at home and abroad, when the financial system's stability is at risk, and when the consequences of climate change are becoming real, the need for European unity is greater than ever."
The Europe debate at Conference backed plans to put Britain in the driving seat of the EU, refocusing the union on measures to protect the global interests and domestic security of the UK and its European partners. Among the measures in "Shaping Our World Through a Strong Europe" are: Greater cooperation among member states to tackle terrorism, international crime and people trafficking; Ensuring energy security and effective action on climate change by increasing the EU's carbon reduction target and developing a common EU energy policy; and Eliminating obstacles to cross-border economic activity within Europe.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales has told LDEG that the EU is the largest and most important market for UK businesses and that its success as a competitive and growing economy which can respond flexibly to the challenges of globalisation is critically important for economic growth in the UK. They also acknowledge that the EU faces some turbulent times ahead due to the combination of a global economic downturn and the growing threat of climate change.
Given that the Sustainable communities Bill has now become law, here is a motion we invite you to use with your Council:
The Federal Trust and Global Policy Institute have a joint conference planned: "Energy and Climate Change - Is the UK an Environmental Champion?" on the 18 September 2008, 14.00-17.30 at London Metropolitan University. Speakers include: Lord Giddens, Emeritus Professor, London School of Economics and Peter Luff, Director, Action for a Global Climate Community. A programme with further details can be downloaded by following this link: http://www.fedtrust.co.uk/admin/uploads/Energy_Conference_Invite.pdf.
Pippa Heylings MP becomes Liberal Democrat Energy Security and Net Zero Spokesperson with vow to take take green issues to the heart of Westminster
Pippa took part in the Commons debate in Westminster Hall on UK priorities for COP29, the UN climate change conference, on Sep 10th
In one of their first votes in Parliament, the new Liberal Democrat MPs for Cambridgeshire have voted in support of an amendment to the King's Speech which would see action taken on sewage dumping, cost of living and the NHS
Pippa Heylings joined with Cam Valley Forum campaigners on Sunday 19th May for a swim to celebrate Sheep’s Green in Cambridge receiving a Bathing Water Designation
On Wednesday, Conservative MPs including South Cambs MP Anthony Browne voted against a new law which would have seen water companies in court for sewage spills.
The 2024 ENDS Power List for politicians who have championed environmental causes has been published. It is a list of 50 politicians in the country and Pippa is honoured to be part of that list!
