issue 17 | summer 2007

“environmental policy has become sexy” page 3

“why haven’t they got it yet?” page 5

“a strong economy can go hand in hand with environmentalism” page 6

“create the conditions that make such leadership politically irresistible” page 8

“women are far more concerned than men” page 11

all the best for the future ideas for a new prime minister   issue 17 | summer 2007 issue 17 | summer 2007

Comment Noticing nutrients The quarterly magazine This issue headlines with extracts from our new publication Our new pamphlet calls for action on a significant scale. As with the carbon cycle, food and farming, and Ted Cantle OBE, deputy of Green Alliance Dear Gordon, a collection of open letters to the new prime minister. on ‘the least glamorous and we have overloaded natural systems in a short chair of the Environment Agency. It proposes a The letters, from leaders of environment and development charities, electorally appealing aspect span of time as we have industrialised and, in new policy framework for tackling the problems 2 Comment of environmental policy’ particular, as we have developed and applied caused by nutrient overload, based on a ‘closed to business leaders and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, synthetic fertilisers to the land. Our injection loop’ approach that aims to cycle nutrients 3 NOTICING NUTRIENTS all call for more action on the environment. In the last few years, environmental policy has of vast quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus more effectively through our economy and  A WEIGHTY PROBLEM To accompany these messages, Green Alliance director Stephen become sexy. Apart, that is, from the issue compounds into the environment has brought environment. Hale provides us with his view of the prospects for future political of human disruption of the nutrient cycle. It’s us immense short-term gains in prosperity 4 A ROUSING RECEPTION leadership on the environment. complex. It involves phrases like ‘the safe sludge and output. But the price could be long-term Dear Gordon is supported by Unison and Christian Aid. It’s a matrix’. And it certainly hasn’t inspired David degradation of essential natural life-support 5 RE-ENERGISING ENERGY Cameron or to be photographed systems, adding to global warming, damaging great project for Green Alliance, as we aim for more of these broad 6 looking after the next to a large composting facility. water and soil quality and soaking up resources environment cross-sectoral initiatives. So should we be worried? In a word, in end-of-pipe pollution control and damage George Osborne also sets out the Conservative vision for the yes. The nutrient cycle is made up of two great limitation. Download a copy of the report from 8 future green leaders integration of economic and environmental policy, in an edited extract geochemical fluxes, those of nitrogen and Green Alliance’s new pamphlet, The www.green-alliance.org.uk from another recent Green Alliance pamphlet, A greener shade of blue? phosphorus, and human development has nutrient cycle: closing the loop was launched For more information contact Hannah Hislop 9 DEAR GORDON unwittingly brought disruption to these cycles in June by Lord Rooker, minister for sustainable [email protected] We are embarking on a whole new theme of work on climate 15 green alliance news change this summer, outlined by Rebekah Philips on page five. Hannah Hislop also writes in this issue about the need for urgent action on a Edited by Karen Crane frequently ignored but fundamentally important environmental issue, Designed by Howdy the nutrient cycle. We hope to raise awareness of the problem through Printed by Park Lane Press the publication of The nutrient cycle: closing the loop which we © July 2007 Green Alliance published in June. If the new prime minister and his team are a bit pushed for time A weighty problem All rights reserved. No part of this and want some instant inspiration for their new environmental policy The construction sector is the largest Green Alliance’s closing the loop project has taken publication may be reproduced, stored in a programme, together with an insight into the opposition’s latest single source of waste in England a keen interest in sustainable construction, and retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form thinking, they could do worse than pick up this copy of Inside Track. we have held meetings at the Eden Project in or by any means, without prior permission Thanks to the recent spotlight on household Cornwall and in London to discuss waste neutral in writing of Green Alliance. Within the UK, Enjoy your summer holidays. waste, and packaging in particular, you would be construction. The latest policy developments were exceptions are allowed in respect of any fair forgiven for thinking that this is where our waste discussed at a Green Alliance seminar in July. dealing for the purposes of private research problems begin and end. or study, or criticism or review, as permitted Actually, household waste makes up only under the Copyright, Design and Patent nine per cent of the 272 million tonnes of waste Act, 1988, or in the case of reprographic England produces every year. Construction and household waste makes reproduction in accordance with the terms demolition waste, on the other hand, makes up of the licences issued by the Copyright over a third of the remaining 90 per cent. Despite up only 9% of the Licensing Agency. its sheer scale, it is a much less visible problem 272 million tonnes than household waste, and so construction of waste England The views of contributors are not companies have come under far less public necessarily those of Green Alliance. pressure to do something about the 87 million produces every year tonnes a year they produce than the beleaguered retail sector. Furthermore, it is a sector that has been relatively untouched by policy instruments For further information please contact designed to reduce waste and increase recycling. Hannah Hislop. This is changing. The recent increase in the landfill tax escalator, which Green Alliance campaigned successfully for, will start to make the financial case for much greener construction waste practices. And the new waste strategy for England proposed a possible new target of halving the amount of construction, demolition and excavation waste going to landfill by 2012, *Error making the industry on the receiving end of one In the last issue of Inside Track we reported that of the strategy’s few sectoral targets. It will be packaging waste makes up 30 per cent of the followed up by a sustainable construction strategy average bin and 18 per cent of total waste. It is in Produced with support from the from the newly formed Department for Business, fact 20 per cent of the average bin and less than Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Russell Marsh, head of policy Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. five per cent of total waste. Apologies.   issue 17 | summer 2007 issue 17 | summer 2007

Feeling run-down by all this talk about energy? Feel like the same territory has been gone over again and again? You’re not alone Green Alliance’s summer reception 2007 debated the question ‘Is it up to politicians to save us?’ Re-energising A rousing reception energy The lush, green, modernist surroundings of the here has been an almost endless Add the fact that the government’s proposed Royal College of Physicians at Regents Park was the treadmill of reviews and white papers target ignores likely future emissions from air on emissions reduction and energy transport and shipping and we are aiming far appropriate venue for some innovative thought about over the past three years. In the past too low. An alternative trajectory is proposed, the role of politicians in tackling environmental issues. eighteen months alone we have seen by organisations such as the Tyndall Centre the climate change programme review (March (Living within a carbon budget, 2006), aiming Entertaining arguments against were made by 2006), the energy review (July 2006), the Stern for a stabilisation level of 450ppm, which equates review on the economics of climate change to a cut of around 80 per cent by 2050, compared Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the RSA, and Julia Hailes, (November 2006) and most recently the energy to the 60 per cent currently in the bill. white paper (May 2007). And it doesn’t end there. Green Alliance’s new work will focus author of the New Green Consumer Guide. An equally spirited The most recent energy white paper has initiated on persuading politicians of all parties of the defence came from Mark Lynas, writer a raft of further consultations on many of the mismatch between ambition and achievement, same issues. You might ask, “why haven’t they and the need for stronger and more coherent and activist, and Phil Bloomer, Oxfam’s got it yet?” policies. Our work is based around three core Green Alliance is gearing up to address areas: the tools and frameworks needed to deliver campaigns and policy director. this very question through our new climate the targets; making the case for a heat strategy Over 200 guests packed change theme and low carbon heat technologies; and increasing For now, the reality that we are not yet on political commitment to a more ambitious into the lecture theatre to hear top of our rising emissions is about to become very approach to carbon capture and storage. We are stark. The government is going to commit itself to also adding our voice to the calls for a faster the arguments, debate with the panellists and targets that it is not prepared to ensure it reaches. roll-out of smart meters, and continuing our work About to enter parliament is the climate change on local government and climate change. then vote. The debate stretched from the benefits of organic bill. When passed, it will be the first legislation pyjamas to the need for environmentalists to seize power. to lock the government into emissions reduction targets beyond 2010. Yet the methods by which Perhaps not surprisingly, the vote was in the end an even it is planning to reduce emissions are not up the reality that we are to scratch. The current package of measures split, with the overwhelming message that politicians must will not enable us to hit our 2020 targets, as not yet on top of our lead creatively and confidently but that the wider population the government’s recent energy white paper rising emissions is about all but admits. to become very stark shouldn’t be complacent and must play its part. As one Amongst the many conclusions of the Stern review was that the next 10–20 years are crucial if audience member neatly put it, we are to stand any chance of stabilising carbon emissions below 550 parts per million (ppm), the “we get the leaders we deserve”. level at which there is a reasonable chance that a warming of above two degrees might not be reached. A warming of two degrees could Hear the full debate at already have devastating consequences: www.green-alliance.org.uk including plunging huge areas of land into drought, exposing billions to water shortages and For more information on Green Alliance’s millions to tropical diseases. new climate change theme please go to Yet, a growing body of research shows www.green-alliance.org.uk/climate or contact that, at 550ppm, the risks of going beyond a Russell Marsh [email protected] or temperature rise of are already too great. Rebekah Phillips [email protected]   issue 17 | summer 2007 issue 17 | summer 2007

limate change is one of the greatest improving the fuel efficiency of the company’s to introducing a robust climate change bill that replacement taxes, with any extra revenues offset challenges that we face. However, distribution vehicles by just one mile per gallon puts our long-term carbon reduction targets by equivalent reductions in other forms of taxation. with emissions higher today than in would save over $50m a year, a useful advantage into the statute book. Unlike the present We are pleased that the proposals have 1997, it’s clear that a new direction in a competitive market. Labour government, we believe that attracted widespread cross-party support, is needed. Similarly, BT has introduced energy saving towards these targets should be assessed by an for instance from ’s former head of The Conservative Party is committed to and energy efficiency programmes that have independent body, which should also provide policy, Matthew Taylor, who described them as a providing that new direction, both by setting reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per binding year-on-year rate of change targets in “Fantastic Policy… the right policy… a progressive out clear leadership on green issues, as well as cent from 1991 levels. Not only has this been order to ensure that progress is being made. policy”. If only Gordon Brown was similarly developing innovative policies to cut emissions, good for the environment, it’s been good for the Second, much more needs to be done committed to taking substantive action. tackle environmental degradation and promote bottom line too: BT estimates that it has resulted to promote international co-operation on As well as reducing taxes on investment and green growth. in energy savings of over £100 million. environmental issues. After all, climate change income, and increasing taxes on pollution, it will also Looking after Environmental groups have long been The third economic argument for green does not recognise national boundaries or halt be necessary to replace the climate change levy. aware that winning the battle against climate policies is that the global market for new at border checkpoints. Effective action on climate As ’s special adviser change means first of all winning the battle environmental technologies represents an change requires countries to work together, for has said, the climate change levy isn’t fit for the environment of ideas. Working alongside green activists, important opportunity for the UK economy. This instance by agreeing common goals and sharing purpose. The key problem is that the rates paid the Conservative Party is playing its part. As market is expected to be worth trillions of pounds environmental technologies. by businesses on their energy use do not reflect newspapers revealed recently, before David over the years ahead, and could be a significant The Conservative party is committed to the carbon emissions from that energy. Instead looking after Cameron became Conservative leader, Mr Brown source of new jobs and revenues. international co-operation on climate change. of taxing businesses according to the amount of mentioned the word ‘climate’ only eleven times, So, rather than green policies stifling Our interim energy review, published last summer, carbon they emit, it is simply a tax on the energy an average of only once per year. By contrast, economic growth, it is clear that the converse is set out the long-term goal of creating a global consumed by business. No wonder the Royal the economy under pressure from David Cameron, Mr Brown true: a strong economy can go hand in hand with market in tradable carbon permits by building on Commission on Environmental Pollution has made reference to ‘climate’15 times in his 2006 environmentalism. Unfortunately, Gordon Brown the European Union’s emission trading scheme. described the climate change levy as a “blunt budget alone, and has since continued to has been all too slow to realise this. As a result, This approach will involve the auction of ‘emission instrument” that is “not effective in reducing emphasise his green credentials. Britain is falling far behind other countries when certificates’, and the creation of a transparent carbon dioxide emissions”. But helping to push environmental issues it comes to taking advantage of the vast new diminishing cap on the number of certificates That is why we have published a up the political agenda isn’t enough. We are green technologies market. available. As emissions trading schemes across consultation paper on a new carbon charge. also committed to taking on those who seek to In total, UK firms have less than a five per the world have shown, the interaction between Unlike the climate change levy, this carbon undermine the case for green policies. Some cent share of the global market for green goods these mechanisms can act as a powerful driver charge would distinguish between high and low of the most vocal opponents of environmental and services, less than France, Germany, Japan for lower emissions and technological innovation. carbon production of energy, and so encourage action are those that claim that tackling climate and the United States. This means that Britain Third, the tax system needs to be companies to switch to cleaner energy sources. change will inevitably damage the economy. As is missing out on crucial jobs, investment and rebalanced so that it properly takes into account It is also designed to be fiscally neutral, meaning one commentator recently claimed, environmental revenues. And, of course, it also means that the environmental cost of pollution. As David that it will not result in a higher tax burden for policies could have an economic effect that is emissions are higher than they should be. Cameron has said, we must not be afraid of British businesses. “worse than a recession” (‘Saving the planet is using the tax system and market mechanisms to So this is our direction of travel: bad economics, stupid’, Rupert Darwall, FT.com encourage investment in, and take up of, clean encouraging green growth and environmental 16.7.06). new technologies that will create new markets protection through international co-operation, This view is deeply misguided. Here are UK firms have less than and reduce our impact on the planet. long-term targets and effective market three reasons why: In practice, this means rebalancing the tax mechanisms. First, unchecked climate change could a 5% share of the global system away from investment and income, and “The options are stark: we can promote Shadow chancellor George Osborne sets out have a massive negative economic impact. market for green goods towards pollution and emissions. Higher taxes economic prosperity whilst also acting as As the Stern review has shown, the extreme and services on things we all want to discourage enabling responsible stewards of our planet, or we can the Conservative vision for an economic policy weather conditions caused by global warming lower taxes on things we want to encourage. court economic and environmental ruin.” When could cost the UK economy billions of pounds Unfortunately, since 1997, the proportion of Theodore Roosevelt said these words one coupled with environmental protection over the course of this century. The Thames government revenue raised by environmental hundred years ago, he captured the challenge Barrier, originally planned to be raised once So promoting green growth is at the heart taxes has actually fallen, from 7.7 per cent to facing our generation today. every six years, is now being raised six times of our environmental and economic agenda. 6.2 per cent, while business investment has We are committed to meeting this challenge. a year. If one flood breaks through, it could However, we understand that achieving this will fallen to the lowest levels ever recorded. Future generations will not forgive us if we fail. cost London upwards of £30 billion. not be easy, and will require a careful combination We need to do better. That is why David Of course, it’s not just Britain that will be of policies and methods. The Conservative party’s Cameron and I have launched a Conservative affected. The economic effects of climate change quality of life policy group is developing detailed Party consultation document on the taxation of will reach far beyond our shores, affecting some policies in the run-up to the next general election, aviation. The government’s own figures show of the most vulnerable people in the world. The but three key elements of our environmental that even according to the ‘best case’ scenario, incidence of drought has doubled over the past agenda are clear. aviation will account for 24 per cent of the UK’s 30 years, and the changing climate is predicted First, there needs to be a long-term carbon emissions by 2050. to reduce African GDP by ten per cent in the years framework for tackling climate change. The Those who argue that we must stop flying ahead. government’s inconclusive energy reviews and altogether are wrong. But we will be unable Second, using energy efficiently doesn’t failure to provide a stable regulatory system to meet our national and international targets This is an edited extract of an essay by just have an environmental benefit, but can has deterred businesses from investing in new for reducing greenhouse gas emissions unless George Osborne which appears in A greener also reduce energy bills at a time of higher oil environmental technologies because they are we reduce the rapid predicted future growth of shade of blue? a collection of writings on prices. As smart companies all over the world are unable to calculate whether the investment aircraft emissions, and tackle dirty engines. Conservative environment policy, published recognising, this means that investing in energy is viable. This has proved to be bad for the In line with the Conservative party’s clear in May by Green Alliance. It is free to download efficiency can help boost profitability. The chief environment, and bad for the British economy. commitment to rebalancing the tax system any from www.green-alliance.org.uk or contact executive officer of Walmart recently noted that That is why the Conservative Party is committed new aviation taxation that we propose will be Green Alliance for a hard copy.   issue 17 | summer 2007 issue 17 | summer 2007

No political leader can into the forefront of political and public debate, environmentally. I expect the government to bring Green Alliance asked a group of prominent people where it belongs. David Cameron, Nick Stern, the a much stronger climate and sustainability focus to claim a long heritage on commitments of Marks and Spencer and other the next version of their planning proposals. to write to Gordon Brown expressing their hopes retailers all followed that decision. The challenge for all of us who want to see the environment. Rather It shows that prime ministers can start in effective environmental leadership from the new for his environmental leadership. The letters are one place and end in another. If Blair had five more government is to develop the ideas and to create than waste our energy on years as prime minister, his growing environmental the conditions that make such leadership politically published in the pamphlet Dear Gordon, available commitment may have spread through to other areas. irresistible. We need to develop new propositions regrets, Green Alliance Prime Minister Brown faces a very different and initiatives that can set the political and policy now to download from our website. Here we feature public and political context on the environment agenda, in the way that the Stern review has done director Stephen Hale than Blair had in 1997. The incentive to succeed is internationally. We need a domestic equivalent some extracts far greater. to the Stern review, and reinforcing initiatives to says we need to be His definitive speech as chancellor, to Green drive public mobilisation and behaviour change by Alliance in March this year, contained an honest government and civil society. concerned with their acknowledgement of his slow recognition of the Al Gore closed the climate change forum environmental agenda. As chancellor, Gordon with a very public plea to Gordon Brown to provide dear gordon approach to the future Brown constantly blocked new environmental leadership on climate change. Is he persuaded? policy and championed disastrous approaches Not yet, but Stern will not be forgotten overnight. to aviation and planning. But no party leader can The attitude of the business community good wishes and claim a long political heritage on the environment. will be an important factor. The prime minister’s Our concern is with their approach to the future. business council sent an unambiguous signal that The prime minister had remarkably little he intends to lead a business friendly government. the best of luck to say on the environment during the transition, But which businesses? The council is in desperate other than an early announcement on eco-towns. need of much greater representation from the The most interesting feature of the campaign was progressive business community. the climate change forum, a private gathering of The opposition’s role is critical too. The istory is written very quickly these 100 senior figures from the private and voluntary Conservative quality of life commission will offer a days. Prime Minister Blair’s passing has sectors, at which the prime minister spent an policy-rich package to the Conservative leadership triggered a blizzard of instant epitaphs afternoon in discussion on domestic policy, civil when it reports. But there have been alarming by every major political figure from the society mobilisation and international action. indications recently that the Conservatives intend Take a walk in the country and realise that your last fifteen years. Every summary By doing so he raised expectations amongst an to stay policy light. That would lend credibility to contained the same headline on environment: influential group. the sceptics who believe that the Conservatives job isn’t just about the economy anymore global leadership on climate change undermined But he wasted no time, on reaching number cannot deliver on their ambitious rhetoric. We must It is understandable that, as chancellor, you were frustrated with a planning system that by rising emissions at home. ten, in alienating many environmentalists. He have substance in the next phase of Conservative sometimes delays or prevents developments that may boost the economy. That’s a legitimate For those of us who have followed the used his first prime minister’s questions to issue a leadership, for their credibility and to maintain the perspective for a chancellor, even a chancellor in a government committed to sustainable story, there has been far more to it of course. The ringing (and illegal, say Greenpeace) endorsement pressure on the government. The Green Standard development. But now you’re in charge of the whole show. So I hope you’ll come to see the government deserves credit for some notable of civil nuclear power, despite the potential cost to report by a coalition of environmental groups, beauty of a planning system that mediates between different interests – local and national, achievements, such as the take-up of recycling, the the taxpayer that preoccupied him as chancellor. including Green Alliance, in September will provide economic and environmental, short-term and long-term – and seeks solutions in the wider public countryside rights of way act and the introduction Even more remarkably, given his emphasis the first definitive assessment of the progress interest. Planning deals with complex questions and conflicts, but the complexity won’t go of the climate change levy. on democracy, he has since shifted regional made by all the parties. away or harmony break out if you elevate economic interests over those of communities or the But none were a direct result of his responsibility for planning from the assemblies Public concern is of course the ultimate environment. leadership. The 1997 manifesto commitment to put to the regional development agencies. All rather political motivator. We need to find new ways …implementing the proposals in the planning white paper would be a disaster for the the environment at the heart of government looks depressing. to deepen public commitment, to draw in new countryside and for local democracy. The environmental movement is united on that. hollow now. Alistair Campbell’s diaries gave us the The cabinet reshuffle provides little grounds audiences, and to mobilise this concern into the inside story of life at number ten up until 2003. But for optimism. David Miliband will no doubt political process. Green Alliance is creating a there was no prime ministerial environment story maintain his environmental evangelism at the physical and virtual space for voluntary sector to be told in that era. Foreign Office, should carry her growing groups, within and beyond the environmental

commitment to transport, and goes community, to draw on research, experience and

to Defra with a strong personal commitment. But ideas to achieve that. We see it as an absolutely

in at the Treasury, John Hutton at critical venture. As the plans firm up, we will be

The 1997 manifesto Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and reporting progress in future issues of Inside Track.

Hazel Blears at Communities and Local Government, Gordon Brown is not where we would like commitment to put three key posts are now filled by politicians with no him to be on the environment. But we will continue Shaun Spiers the environment at the apparent interest in the environment. A great deal to put forward ideas and seek opportunities chief executive, CPRE heart of government hangs on their future approach. for meaningful dialogue between government, looks hollow now. The disputes over nuclear power and business and the voluntary sector. The prime planning create very public dividing lines between minister could still, like Tony Blair, leave office the main environmental pressure groups and infinitely more committed to the environment than government. But neither needs to be grounds for he was at the outset. But time is not on his side, The diaries of 2003-07 will have much divorce. Without some form of subsidy nuclear or ours. more to record. Tony Blair’s decision to make will remain a distant prospect, and the tension climate change a top issue for the G8 in 2005 was between the planning white paper and the climate the first major step in pushing the environment change bill is unsustainable politically as well as 10 11 issue 17 | summer 2007 issue 17 | summer 2007

As consumers, women are increasingly concerned about Lead the way on global Women want action on landfill and the reckless use of our resources. This was 2. Unlock the potential of the public sector highlighted by the WI campaign on excessive food Build a low carbon Accounting as it does for approximately one climate change, but we’re packaging. Retailer and consumer attitudes towards waste emissions cuts to help third of the economy, we believe that the are improving, but both sides are struggling with the lack workforce and lead public sector has an enormous role to play part of the solution too of infrastructure to dispose of waste sustainably. those who need it most …our research has demonstrated that women are in tackling climate change… the NHS alone Women in the UK have a key role in tackling climate change far more concerned about environmental issues than men Labour has set an international precedent by example in the has net emissions of around 1 million tonnes as consumers and as educators in our homes. Unfortunately, and, as such, are your single biggest constituency and an by proposing to enact legal limits on harmful annually. Five per cent of all the UK’s emissions our importance is not reflected in our participation in important part of the solution. emissions. This is groundbreaking and public sector from road transport are NHS related. There environmental decision-making in government, industry and the rest of the world is watching. But the are clear opportunities for win-win outcomes …I am dropping you a line to set out two areas the scientific community, where we are under represented… targets in the bill as currently proposed are in relation to public procurement, new public where we believe it will be relatively easy to …we would also like to see an ambitious campaign inadequate. The UK’s Tyndall Centre and service buildings and how public services develop measures to help tackle what is the to educate citizens and to incentivise green choices. other world-renowned experts point to the manage their affairs on a day-to-day basis… challenge of our generation: Actions could include plans to accelerate the phasing out need for an 80 per cent cut in our domestic of incandescent light bulbs and the phasing out of standby emissions by 2050. If we do not adopt this 1. Work with trade unions to secure a just options on all new appliances. target then no other rich country is likely to. transition to a low carbon labour market These views and many more are outlined in the On the other hand, if Brown’s Britain Over half of emissions are work related. Whilst Women’s manifesto on climate change, which highlights the enters climate change negotiations later this addressing this will demand a significant fact that women across the UK are demanding much more Fay Mansell year with an 80 per cent bill passing through technological and regulatory response, it will government action in tackling climate change. chair, National Federation of Women’s Institutes its parliament, it will set the benchmark for also require social partner engagement at all other industrialised countries. But even if levels in order to foster new green jobs and this were paralleled in Europe and north encourage the development of new ways of America, it would still not be enough to Dave Prentis working and travelling to and at work… secure a global agreement. general secretary, UNISON When Hilary Benn leaves for Bali in December, please make sure he has in his attaché case a firm promise of 80 per cent cuts by 2050 in the UK. Make sure he also has a clear mandate to argue that those countries responsible for creating the problem and wealthy enough to deal with fixing it must rise and rise fast to the global clean development challenge. that WWF-UK takes very seriously and it will Put the UK on course form the theme of our party conference activity. You have already signalled that you consider for one planet living the environment and social justice to be two Climate change requires which I attended, brought home to me that issues don’t of your priorities and, having formally worked come any bigger than climate change. Unless we can rise to A key piece of legislation that has been long as a director of Oxfam for a number of years, a team effort the challenge it will damage our economy, our security, and promised in your party’s manifestos is a marine I share this perspective. We at WWF believe the fight against poverty in the UK and internationally. act to protect Britain’s coastal waters and to that the right approach, based on sound It’s not a winner takes all contest, so it’s in the interests of all allow for proper, planned development and sustainable development policies, means the countries to reach an agreement that limits the potentially conservation of the seas and their wildlife. In two can go hand-in hand. devastating impacts of climate change. Daleep Mukarji particular, with the urgent need to develop One of the issues regarding our record here in Britain director, Christian Aid off-shore wind farms, a proper planning policy is that it has been worse than other countries in Europe for coastal waters becomes vital. The bill has since 1997. Our home record is also critical to success in the cross-party support and is, I understand, in a competition we are in so I am sure you will address this and near state of readiness. It would be a refreshing bring about the improvement necessary. and welcome signal of your government’s There are some huge issues in your in-tray. Economic commitment to the environment if it were to be prosperity. Security. The fight against poverty in Britain and Sir Alex Ferguson CBE introduced in the Queen’s speech. in the developing world. But Al Gore’s climate master-class, manager, Manchester United FC …in the UK many still think of the environment as the luxury concern of the David Nussbaum affluent, with environmental policies running chief executive, WWF counter to access to cheap goods and services for low-income communities. This is an issue 12 13 issue 17 | summer 2007 issue 17 | summer 2007

…The Archbishop of Canterbury recently described the Support environmental economy as a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment. A view from the front line The world urgently needs an example of how to run that innovation as an economic subsidiary without destroying the parent company. We urge of climate change impacts you to take up the challenge. opportunity According to a recentTime magazine report, Bangladesh will be the second most vulnerable country to climate change impacts but the The business world is starting to see environmental country has very little capacity to address its devastating impacts. protection as a huge opportunity. The City of London has We need your sincere support in our efforts to tackle this problem. become the centre of the emerging global carbon trading We strongly feel and demand that your government and

market and the UK has world class solutions to offer in country stay with us in tackling the ever bigger environmental and

areas such as land remediation, water pollution control and developmental problems facing poor and marginalised groups in

environmental services. The environmental industry now Bangladesh and other developing countries. We hope that your country will play a vital role in formulating and employs some 400,000 people in the UK Adrian Wilkes This points the way for government. Business leaders implementing international policy for climate response by taking greater executive chairman, and Merlin Hyman, responsibility in mitigation and supporting adaptation in vulnerable setting the pace in emerging markets in environmental director, Environmental Industries Commission technology and resource efficient goods have a clear countries. We think that a 20 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas message as to what they need you to do. Put in place an emissions is not an adequate or fair target for the EU states and we environmental policy framework that stimulates innovation demand that the UK commits to at least a 30 per cent reduction by and investment – then stick to it. 2020… We also expect that, through your dynamic leadership, you Rethinking food and will make your best efforts to bring the USA back to complying with the UNFCCC, with clear commitment and urgent action for greenhouse farming will benefit gas reduction.

the planet and the A green tax shift is your using the revenues to reduce other taxes, stimulate further carbon reduction and nation’s health

compensate groups that might otherwise missing ingredient …food and farming contributes nearly a fifth be disproportionately disadvantaged. A of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. We – deliver one and systematic tax shift to encourage greater know that the changes in people’s diet over energy efficiency and conservation, and the the last 25 years has led to a rise in obesity development of low-carbon technologies, and heart disease. transform the remains the missing element of the We also know that in the same Dr A Atiq Rahman prospects for government’s climate change policies. It would period the major British food retailers have both achieve significant carbon reduction in virtually abandoned local, seasonal and executive director, environmental policy itself, and make all the government’s other fresh produce in favour of processed, ‘value Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies climate change policies more effective. added’ foods and the perennial availability of The government has admitted that it will fail to all fresh produce… In truth, food retailing is meet its domestic target of carbon emissions now focused primarily on shareholder value for 2010. At least part of the reason for this regardless of the costs to UK farmers and the is surely that carbon remains too cheap and, environment. fragile or sensitive environments suffer first and suffer most therefore, that low-carbon technologies and …if ministers for health, environment, when nature fights to regain its equilibrium. education, and farming could co-ordinate behaviours remain relatively too expensive. Find space in your vision The challenge now is to bring these debates centre policy to encourage the consumption of In my view, there is little chance of the stage in your domestic, as well as your international, fresh, organic, seasonal, unprocessed government meeting the 2020 targets for food, then the goals of a healthier society, of economic prosperity policies. For exactly the same dynamics are in play in carbon reduction that have been included in lower greenhouse gas emissions, and a Birmingham as they are in Bangladesh. the draft climate change bill without increasing Professor Paul Ekins sustainable future for British farming and the for sustainable development Tackling poverty and tackling climate change are the price of carbon for all energy users, and head of the environmental group, countryside could be achieved. two sides of a coin. At home, as abroad, the cost of doing Policy Studies Institute …Defra should lead the way in the Once upon a time greenies blamed business and the nothing will far outweigh the cost of doing something. UK by only sourcing organic, seasonal, market for many of our woes while economists – and many unprocessed, British grown food, as a very politicians – saw concern for the environment as merely real demonstration of their commitment to a check to growth. Thankfully we’ve moved on. sustainable faming. Policy and rhetoric around sustainable development no longer focuses on no-win compromises but on win-win solutions. We can have growth and save the planet, but we need a different kind of growth and a different economic mindset. Consensus on climate change has made that switch easier and the most obvious expression of this new realism Tony Hawkhead is the report you commissioned from Nicholas Stern, which chief executive, Groundwork adds to the social case for action that we’ve had for some time. On a global scale it’s clear to all that people living in Keith Abel founder, Abel & Cole 14 15 issue 17 | summer 2007 issue 17 | summer 2007

green alliance News

…Government must work with industry to facilitate the Act local New individual A low carbon energy future research and development needed to ensure the next generation of low carbon technologies are available. A great deal of what needs to be delivered role of the new performance framework and local members is achievable if you provide However, it is important that the government does not to mitigate and adapt to climate change area agreements. We will examine whether the use policy to try and pick winners from the range of involves action at a local level, which puts local emerging policy framework can deliver what is welcome to: stability along the way technologies available. Rather, it should support a government in the driving seat. needed, and assess the constraints and barriers mix of technologies and let the winners emerge of their Some councils have developed ambitious to getting it right. Charles Allison The energy business does not deal in short timescales; own accord. plans for action but the majority have taken Harry Barton we are facing billion-pound investment decisions on limited steps or regard climate change as just too Philip Mulligan power stations that will take several years to build and difficult or remote to tackle. This report will be available to download Rita Singh have a lifetime of several decades. Without the regulatory In August Green Alliance launches a report in August from www.green-alliance.org.uk Martin Stott certainty, both in the UK and Europe, this capital may go on making a step change in local authority action Contact Tracy Carty for more information Anne Udema elsewhere. on climate change, focusing in particular on the at [email protected] Lawrence Woodward The EU emissions trading scheme is key to achieving the UK’s and Europe’s climate change objectives, and it is critical that it is maintained in order to underpin long- term investment by industry in low carbon technologies. Extending the scheme beyond 2012 for a period of at Award nomination for least 15 years is crucial to providing a clear and stable Andrew Duff framework and we encourage you to make this a priority chief executive, RWE NPower green alliance’s heat work for you and your government. Our work on the Little over a year ago the energy review contained as a major opportunity to decarbonise energy virtually no references to the heat market and the supply. Ministerial statements and government contribution of heat debate over sustainable, low-and zero-carbon announcements reflect this shift, and the Office heat supplies was muted. As heat accounts for of Climate Change is now engaged in a major Support individuals in changing their to climate change has 47 per cent of our carbon emissions and over heat project. half of our energy consumption (according to the We look forward to the development of a behaviour – no team is too big when been recognised with recent energy white paper), this was a shocking proposed heat strategy and will continue to work omission. to ensure that the profile of sustainable heat it comes to saving the planet We set out to change this with our initiative remains high. a nomination for the Build on what we already have Building an alliance around sustainable heat. We I am in a very fortunate position. Due to the seemingly inexorable brought together over 30 diverse stakeholders popularity of football I am able to attract a great deal of attention to Parliamentary Renewable to meet our housing needs to convince government and parliament of the the issue, and to source and purchase the most eco-friendly products need for a coherent and comprehensive set The government has moved far to address the environmental impact of and ethical ways of living. But in doing so I have become aware of how and Sustainable Energy of policy principles and an outline strategy for new housing. Making all new homes carbon neutral by 2016 is a bold expensive this can be, and that many of the options I can take up are decarbonising our heat market. and crucial commitment. The code for sustainable new homes helps not available to all. I hope that your efforts will allow everyone to make Group (PRASEG) Twelve months on and the situation is too. But we must be equally bold for existing buildings, given that at choices that reduce their carbon emissions without a financial burden. radically different. Heat enjoys a more central least 70 per cent of the homes that we will have in 2050 already exist. If high carbon options remain the cheapest, then there is something Sustainable Energy position in the energy debate, as both an For more information contact Rebekah Phillips With the right incentives from government, we can expand wrong with the costings. ‘Buy now, pay later’ has never seemed so apt. important factor in managing supply security and [email protected] our housing supply virtually without touching new greenfield land. I hope you will make the green option the easy option. Awards 2007 Equalising incentives between new build and existing homes is crucial. As you know, 17.5 per cent VAT on all repair, even in regeneration areas created by the government, gives perverse incentives for demolition. Penalising empty buildings and unused infill sites within built-up areas could offer powerful incentives for reuse, while simplifying small scale planning within communities. Within regeneration areas, VAT could be Goodbye to ggn, but reduced to five per cent, as happens in most other European countries. new work begins

Green Globe Network (GGN), a network of also continue to facilitate dialogue between David James international policy experts based at Green government and NGOs on short-term issues. Portsmouth and England goalkeeper Alliance since 1998, has been a useful mechanism Teaming up with sustainable development

for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, other organisation E3G, we plan to assess the prospects

government departments and NGOs to engage on for a global climate change agreement by 2009,

EU and international environment policy issues. and the strategies to get there.

But things are changing fast in international

policy. After nearly ten years of GGN we are now Anne Power looking at new ways to assist and influence the professor of social policy UK debate on international environmental policy. London School of Economics Green Alliance associate, Stuart Singleton-White (right), will lead our new work, concentrating on climate change and the forthcoming EU budget review. We will Green Alliance’s mission is to promote sustainable development by ensuring that the environment is at the heart of decision-making. We work with senior people in government, business and the environmental movement to encourage new ideas, dialogue and constructive solutions. staff Stephen Hale director Russell Marsh head of policy Tracy Carty senior policy adviser Hannah Hislop, Rebekah Phillips, Faye Scott policy officers Louise Humphrey head of resources Karen Crane communications adviser Rachel Butterworth fundraising and communications manager Kathryn Cook office manager / PA to the director contact each staff member at: [email protected] associates Ian Christie, Julie Hill, Jiggy Lloyd, Derek Smith, Stuart Singleton-White, Rebecca Willis

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