PRESCOTT IN STRONG POSITION TO TURN UP THE HEAT ON CLINTON: INDEPENDENT REPORT SHOWS THE UK CAN MAKE MAJOR SHIFT AWAY FROM FOSSIL FUELS

PRESCOTT IN STRONG POSITION TO TURN UP THE HEAT ON CLINTON: INDEPENDENT REPORT SHOWS THE UK CAN MAKE MAJOR SHIFT AWAY FROM FOSSIL FUELS 29 October 1997 A new report commissioned by Greenpeace, and launched today, shows that the UK Government's present climate target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 20% by 2010 is easily achievable and brings economic and industrial benefits. The report is launched on the day that John Prescott, Secretary of State for the Environment, goes before the Environment Select Committee to outline the Government's climate policy. 'The Potential for Sustainable Energy in the UK' indicates that Britain is in a strong position to demonstrate to the US that reducing fossil fuel emissions can be achieved using common sense measures. Matthew Spencer, Greenpeace Climate & Energy Campaigner, commenting on the report, said: ' This report, based largely on Government commissioned findings, shows that in the short term, the UK could reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by up to a third without pain and with much economic gain.' 'Tony Blair and John Prescott have a pivotal role in influencing President Clinton to take tougher action to protect the climate. They are in a strong position to reject the US climate proposal if they act on existing recommendations to cut energy waste at home in the UK and start the switch from fossil fuels to solar, wind and wave energy. This report demonstrates that to delay action on fossil fuels, as the US suggests, is economically irresponsible as well as environmentally damaging." The report, compiled for Greenpeace by the International Institute for Energy Conservation, is a review of existing studies in energy efficiency, renewable energy and transport. Key findings of the report are that: John Prescott's own Department has shown that energy efficiency measures alone could save between 20-30% of present carbon dioxide emissions. The average UK household wastes £278 per year through inefficient energy use - over £6 billion is wasted by households nationally. The Department of Trade and Industry has shown that renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and wave energy, could generate almost half of the UK's electricity demand by the end of the next decade. In the UK alone the implementation of a cost-effective energy efficiency programme would create 20,000 new jobs and produce a new industry worth around one billion pounds a year. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Greenpeace Press Office on 0171 865 8255/6/7 Notes to Correspondents: John Prescott MP, the Deputy Prime Minister, and Michael Meacher MP, Minister for the Environment will give evidence to the House of Commons Environment, Transport and regional Affairs Committee on Wednesday 29 October in Committee Room 15 at 9.45 am. Media briefing notes and copies of report available on request.