Posted on 2016-03-23 | 12:59

Roger has tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to begin the process of fully decarbonising the UK as soon as possible to help prevent disastrous levels of damage to the climate.

The Energy Minister recently stated that the UK will enshrine in law the goal of reaching zero carbon emissions. Said Roger: “I fully support this plan, and urge the Government to bring in this legislation as soon as possible.”

The UK is already under a legal obligation to reduce emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, but the UK should be aiming for emissions as close to zero as possible. Because the total amount of carbon emitted will determine the amount by which temperatures rise, it is essential to front-load carbon cuts and start reducing emissions as soon and as quickly as possible.

The EDM urges the Government to take all possible steps to start cutting carbon emissions as rapidly as possible, including by de-carbonising the energy supply. It also points out that new nuclear power stations take decades to come online, while wind and solar power can be set up much more quickly and cheaply.

Roger commented: “I will fully support the Government in taking measures to cut the UK's carbon emissions as much as possible. I urge them to bring in this legislation as soon as possible, and not allow this to be yet more greenwash that is not backed up by action.”

You can read the full EDM here: www.parliament.uk/edm/2015-16/1294