Climate change crisis in 10 years – claim

Climate change crisis in 10 years – claim

A report published today by the International Climate Change Task Force has warned that climate change will reach a critical and irreversible state within 10 years unless immediate global action is taken to reduce emissions, prompting fresh calls for transport and energy policy reviews by green groups.

Among a series of stark recommendations, the report contains the bold proposal that all G8 nations should be looking to generate 25% of their overall electricity by 2025, in order to reduce the effects of fossil fuel consumption.

"This alarming warning must spur the Government into urgent action on climate change,” said Friends of the Earth's Director Tony Juniper. “If Tony Blair wants the world to fight climate change, he must lead by example. He must take steps to ensure year-on- year cuts in UK emissions.”

The UK has vowed to place climate change at the top of its agenda during this year’s Presidency of the EU and chairing of the G8, in a bid to strengthen international co-operation on the issue.

The British Wind Energy Association was among the renewable groups that backed the report’s proposals. Marcus Rand, Chief Executive of BWEA, commented; “A strong renewables target for G8 nations backed up with positive policies is essential to send the long term business signals to industry to encourage them to make the investments in the solutions to climate change.”

"The alarm bells are growing louder. If world leaders fail to take urgent action it will soon be too late," concluded Mr Juniper.