At the end of February, the Government finally published the long-awaited Energy White Paper. Environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth (FoE) were "pleased" to see the paper accepted that a 60% reduction is needed in carbon dioxide emissions (from the 1990 levels, by 2050), as recommended by the Royal Commission for Environmental Policy (RCEP). The reductions will be through using renewable power and being more efficient with our energy use - not by building any additional nuclear power stations.
Friends of the Earth claim this means the end of the nuclear dream and celebrated their hard fought 30-year victory by laying a "RIP" wreath at Calder Hall (the world's first nuclear-powered electricity generator) which also closed in February. Bryony Worthington, FoE's energy campaigner, said, "The White Paper is a crucial landmark in moving towards a more sustainable, low carbon economy."
Unfortunately the Energy White Paper didn't introduce any new measures to cut emissions from road vehicles nor from aviation - the latter being excluded from the UK's Kyoto obligation. FoE also believe the White Paper needs clear timetables and investment to be effective.
Tony Blair has expressed his support for technological solutions (such as hydrogen), particularly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, saying: "Economic growth and protecting the environment can be compatible, but we need a step change in our understanding of the science and technology capable of doing it."
Friends of the Earth Energy Campaign will be tracking policy discussions on renewables and the planning and emissions trading, as well as continuing work to oppose the Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline and on the Stop Esso campaign.
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Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline - BP plans massive environmental and social destruction in the Middle East
Michael, Manchester Friends of the Earth (0161 834 8221, office@manchesterfoe.org.uk)