Friends of the Earth: Get-out clause creates needless uncertainty
Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins comments on the government’s fourth carbon budget announcement:
“David Cameron’s welcome decision to back Chris Huhne over the climate committee’s call for tougher global warming action will boost his flagging green credentials.
“But the inclusion of a get-out clause’, in case Europe doesn’t cut emissions fast enough, creates needless uncertainty that could dent business confidence – and all just to save face for the chancellor and business secretary, who opposed this agreement.
“The Cabinet row over carbon budgets is a clear warning that some key government departments are still only thinking about the short-term and would scupper moves to develop a low-carbon economy.
“Ministers must now get on with the urgent task of fast-tracking the development of a low-carbon economy which will create new jobs and business opportunities and wean the nation off its costly addiction to fossil fuels.”
