Cutting Out The Hot Air: Taking Action on Climate Change

You may have seen some of the press coverage this week about a piece of legislation that will drive fundamental change in the way in which we as a nation use energy and our resources. The Climate Change Bill, which had its third reading in the House of Commons this week, will be of interest to many local residents who share my concern about the devastating consequences of global warming. The Bill makes the UK the first country to sign up to legally binding national targets for reducing the emissions that lead to climate change. Setting up an independent committee to monitor progress, it commits the UK to ambitious targets of at least 26 per cent reduction in emissions by 2020, and at least 80 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050 - I'm particularly pleased to see a recognition of the need to include aviation and shipping emissions. Coupled with the new Government Department for Energy and Climate Change to oversee these issues, I believe these measures reflect a renewed commitment by Labour to make Britain take responsibility for our part in global warming and also offer leadership on the need to act internationally as well. I also recognise addressing climate change will require more work being done at a national level so I look forward to the outcomes of our transition town discussions at a local level and to hearing your views on how we can support action to address climate change here in Walthamstow.