20th Sep 2007

C02 Strategy Has Too Much Hot Air

Greens Offer Council Real Answers to Climate Change

The District Council's strategy for tackling climate change has too much hot air and not enough action, according to local Green campaigners.

St Albans Green Party has offered the council a lengthy response to their Carbon Management Strategy. They say it does not go far enough to make a real difference to the district's emissions.

Spokesman Simon Grover commented, "We welcome this initiative because there's so much local councils can do to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. But we've told the council that their strategy needs to be much bolder, with clear objectives focussed on high priority issues."

The Council's strategy document, which ends its consultation period this week (14th Sep), says it is looking at ways to measure the district's emissions and to reduce them. It also wants more public education about what people can do to help.

Mr Grover added: "Time is running out so we need the emphasis to be on action. Our council is there to do things that we as individuals can't do by ourselves. So they need to take their responsibilities seriously, stop leaving it up to us, and do everything they can to reduce this threat we're facing."

The Greens say there are 'easy wins' that have been proved to work by forward-thinking local councils like Woking and Merton. They include requiring developers to include renewable energy in their plans, switching the council's electricity contract to a 'green' provider, and investing in combined heat and power plants.

"Sometimes the simplest things are the most effective at reducing C02," said Mr Grover. "Real nappy schemes, reflective radiator panels and flush-saving gadgets are all cheap and easy to do. They pay for themselves very quickly.

"But the council seems to be happy just talking about it and doing very little. They need to get on with it, because every day that goes by this issue becomes more important."