The Labour Party’s commitment to a net zero target of greenhouse gases by 2050 is to be commended, says Christian Aid.
Labour’s announcement came after more than 100 MPs from across the political spectrum signed a letter to the Prime Minister urging her to back the target, which would commit the UK to ensuring the volume of greenhouse gas emissions released in the atmosphere is no greater than the emissions removed from it, by 2050.
The letter to Theresa May was initiated by Conservative Party MP Simon Clarke and endorsed by MPs from the Tories, the Liberal Democrats, Labour, the SNP and Plaid Cymru, together with 51 members of the House of Lords.
Dr Kat Kramer, Christian Aid’s Global Lead on Climate Change said: “We welcome Labour’s announcement that it supports enhancing the target enshrined in the Climate Change Act to reflect the latest climate science.
“A target of net zero before 2050 – where emissions are countered by the absorption of greenhouse gases, such as through planting trees and reducing deforestation – is an important recognition of the need for ambitious and urgent action on climate change.
“To help achieve the net zero target, we would need any UK Government to invest in renewables and energy efficiency measures as a priority. This is so that we use as little of the atmosphere’s remaining carbon budget as possible, and to minimise the impacts of climate change, such as drought and floods, experienced by the poorest and most vulnerable.”
Notes to editors:
1. Christian Aid works in some of the world’s poorest communities in around 40 countries at any one time. We are where there is great need, regardless of religion, helping people to live a full life, free from poverty. We provide urgent, practical and effective assistance in tackling the root causes of poverty as well as its effects.
2. Christian Aid’s core belief is that the world can and must be changed so that poverty is ended: this is what we stand for. Everything we do is about ending poverty and injustice: swiftly, effectively, sustainably. Our strategy document Partnership for Change explains how we set about this task.
3. Christian Aid is a member of ACT Alliance, a global coalition of more than 130 churches and church-related organisations that work together in humanitarian assistance, advocacy and development.
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5. For more information about the work of Christian Aid, visit www.christianaid.org.uk
