Wednesday 10 November 2010

Energy Bill must deliver ‘cleaner economy’

Friends of the Earth have said the International Energy Agency's report yesterday on the World Energy Outlook makes for grim reading.

And it has urged to UK government to give greater backing to renewables and electric cars.

Friends of the Earth's head of climate Mike Childs said: "The outlook for the planet is grim unless governments commit to tough international action to rapidly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and tackle climate change.

"The IEA report makes it clear China will win the race to develop tomorrow's renewable technologies unless the UK and other countries match their investment. The coalition must urgently back policies to help Britain build a secure, green and sustainable future."

Mr Childs said this backing should involve "greater support to renewable energy and electric cars" and added that stopping fossil fuel subsidies would "create new jobs and industries as well as cut
climate-changing emissions".

"Ministers must start by ensuring the forthcoming Energy Bill sets us on the path to a cleaner economy, including action to make all our homes warm and energy efficient," he added.

Related stories: UK cannot compete with China says IEA chief