North East Herts MP Oliver Heald has called for action not words on climate change. Oliver is backing the 10:10 campaign for individuals to pledge a 10% cut in their own emissions during 2010. Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Oliver said, “if firm, practical action along the lines of 10:10 were taken in this country, the effect would be to send out a message ahead of Copenhagen that this is not going to be yet another occasion that is all about warm words and signing up to something vague and meaningless, but that it will be an occasion when the world means business and something really has to change.”
There are widespread concerns that any agreement struck at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December will not set the sort of targets required to cut as many emissions as experts say are needed to avoid disastrous global warming.
Speaking after the debate Oliver said, “I have received a large number of emails in recent months asking me to support the 10:10 campaign and today I was pleased to put my support firmly on the record.”
“Reducing carbon emissions by 10% should not require a major change in anyone’s lifestyle. It is a question of thinking a bit harder about small actions such as switching to energy efficient light bulb, not leaving appliances on standby and making the effort to walk or use public transport more.”
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