[SGRupdate] Climate Change Questions for Candidates (UK Election)

[Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR)]

Dear Friends

Here are some 'questions on climate change for candidates' which you could
try out on local election candidates.

Climate Change and how to tackle it

Despite recent controversies, the latest UK Met Office report in 2010
shows that evidence of climate change caused by human activity is even
stronger than it was when the IPCC reported in 2007. Winter 2009/2010 may
have been cold in the UK but the average worldwide temperature was  higher
than the previous year. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from factories,
power stations, aeroplanes, cars etc. is the cause and the biggest
question in the General Election is: what is the next government going to
do about it?

Suggested questions to ask election candidates:

1. do you believe that climate change is happening and that humans are the
main cause?
2. do you support present government targets for reducing carbon
emissions?
3. do you think they should be strengthened?
4. what forms of alternative energy do you support?
5. what measures would you support to reduce UK energy consumption?

Please send SGR copies of the answers you get from candidates.

Useful Websites

http://www.SGR.org.uk
http://www.realclimate.org/
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn11462-climate-change-a-guide-for-the-perplexed.html

http://www.climatedenial.org

Notes

Government 'Green' Initiatives

Climate Change Act 2008

The Act sets up a framework for the UK to achieve its long-term goals of
reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the year 2050 is at least 80% lower
than the 1990 baseline and to ensure steps are taken towards adapting to
the impact of climate change. Its main elements are as follows:

Setting emissions reduction targets in statute and carbon budgeting.

A new reporting framework with the creation of an independent advisory
body: the Committee on Climate Change.

Adaptation.

The Act sets out a procedure for assessing the risks of the impact of
climate change for the UK



Policy measures which reduce emissions which includes a waste reduction
scheme, with financial incentives, to reduce residual domestic waste to be
introduced.

http://opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2008/ukpga_20080027_en_1



Low Carbon Transition Plan July 2009

By 2020: More than 1.2 million people will be in green jobs, Seven million
homes will have benefited from whole house makeovers, and more than 1.5
million households will be supported to produce their own clean energy,
40% of electricity will be from low carbon sources,
“renewable sources”, nuclear and clean coal. We will be importing half the
amount of gas that we otherwise would. The average new car will emit 40%
less carbon than now.

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/publications/lc_trans_plan/lc_trans_plan.aspx



The 2020 EU Target for Renewable Energy as 20% for the EU and 15% for the
UK. House Of Lords 2007-8. The target refers specifically to
“renewable sources”. This means that nuclear energy and carbon capture and
storage are not included as viable technologies for meeting the target as
their fuel sources are not renewable. Biomass is included because its fuel
comes from renewable sources.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200708/ldselect/ldeucom/175/175.pdf

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