A Champion for the Environment

November 2005

Ten days ago, the President of the Royal Society, Lord May, one of Britain’s leading scientists warned, that there was an urgent need to do much more to cut carbon dioxide emissions and prevent global warning. Not to do so, he warned would mean condemning future generations to ferocious weather and huge economic sacrifices.

The Government has set a target to cut UK carbon dioxide emissions by 20% from their 1990 levels by 2020. Two years ago, it appeared that it might be met, but since then emissions have increased.

Fossil fuel use is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions but shockingly almost 80% of the energy from large-scale power stations burning fossil fuels is wasted. 61.5% is lost through inefficient generation and heat wastage, a further 3.5% is lost in distribution through the national grid and another 13% through inefficient end use.

Therefore micro-generation – the small scale use of solar panels and wind-turbines either at individual houses or in small clusters for local use – may be one significant way of reducing fossil fuel use and cutting emissions.

I was pleased therefore that a backbench MP’s Bill on micro-generation passed a key parliamentary hurdle on its way to becoming law a week ago. The proposal would give households that micro-generate their own heat and light council tax rebates. And it would require the Government to report annually to parliament on its progress in promoting energy sources, including micro-generation and renewables, and the measures taken to tackle climate change.

However, not only to we need to take action locally but at international level as well. And many in the UK, will be looking to Tony Blair to be pressing for significant progress at the world summit on sustainable development in Montreal later this month.

Perhaps what is needed is for someone to do for the environment what Jamie Oliver did for school dinners and knock heads together and get us to take it seriously as individuals. It is a subject that Prince Charles has spoken about and I agree with what he has to say – perhaps he is the person to do it? And let’s have a government that means what it says on these issues.