Policy-makers urged to accelerate action on energy saving

Some of the UK’s leading environmental groups have come together to urge the Government to commit to a greener country by 2020. The partnership includes National Trust, WWF, RSPB, Greenpeace, The Wildlife Trust and Friends of the Earth.

The collective have proposed seven priorities to reform energy use and safeguard the environment. These are as follows:

1. Goal 1 – Lead the low carbon transition by making a fair global deal to keep within 2 degrees of global warming.

2. Goal 2 – Lead the protection of our oceans by creating a million square km of southern Atlantic reserve.

3. Goal 3 – Plan for natures recovery by making a 25 year plan.

4. Goal 4 – Plan for improved public access to nature by incentivizing natural infrastructure through the local growth fund.

5. Goal 5 – Accelerate household energy saving by putting local authorities at the center of energy saving delivery.

6. Goal 6 - Give communities more control by introducing the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Deal.

7. Goal 7 – Act on the resource shock by committing to reducing the UK’s resource use.

Dr. Mike Clark, Chief Executive, RSPB:

“Greener Britain is our challenge to all parties: to change the world for the better, for people and for nature, by adopting our big ideas for a greener future. Among them, we propose a Nature and Well-being Act, setting out the long term plan for nature’s recovery, and a new Ocean Sanctuary around Ascension Island— the kinds of changes that can save nature and improve lives. Manifestos are sometimes important for their differences, but it’s when they’re the same that they’re really powerful, especially for issues like the environment that affect us in so many ways; I hope that all parties will be able to adopt these practical proposals for a greener Britain.” Stephen Joseph, CEO, Campaign for Better Transport:

“At this time of urgent threats to our environment, it's absolutely critical that the people we elect to guide us through the next five years have an informed, inspired and sound environmental policy. Greener Britain provides the inspiration, and I'm hopeful that our would-be leaders will act on it for the sake of our communities and the natural habitats we depend on for health and well-being. Making transport more sustainable is absolutely vital if we are to tackle climate change and air pollution. Road transport accounts for 22 per cent of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions, and air pollution causes 29,000 UK deaths per year.” Peter Nixon, Director of Conservation, the National Trust:

"Next May's election gives all parties the chance to demonstrate their commitment to the environment. We're calling for manifestos that commit to more and better local decision making; the provision of high quality local green spaces; and a bold plan for nature's recovery.” John Sauven, Executive Director, Greenpeace UK:

"Every parliament has five years to get a grip on the formidable threats facing our climate, oceans, forests and wildlife. The next government will have the chance to help forge a critical international deal on climate change, support the creation of a global sanctuary in the Arctic and protect huge areas of the world’s Southern Ocean around our overseas territories. The question is whether they will have the courage to face up to vested interests and the vision to make it happen."

Andy Atkins, Executive Director, Friends of the Earth:

“These proposals should give all the major parties pause to think carefully about their environmental agenda ahead of the next general election - they must respond both to the major challenges we face and the corresponding public call for stronger action. The Greener Britain priorities are a foundation for parties to build a robust response to the serious threat of climate change and the decline of our natural world.” David Nussbaum, Chief Executive, WWF UK:

“The environment matters to the many millions of people who are members and supporters of WWF and similar organisations, so it should matter to the politicians who seek to represent us too.” Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive, the Wildlife Trusts:

“It is time for every major party to realise that the future of our society depends profoundly on the future of our environment. Society will only prosper when genuine political leadership is shown on this issue.” David Baldock, Executive Director, IEEP:

“It will be a critical time for Britain to be a strong advocate for the environment and effective climate action, both globally and in Europe. This is not an opportunity to waste.” Matthew Spencer, Director, Green Alliance:

“The proposals in this report offer all parties constructive ways to make Britain stronger and greener in a changing world. Their manifestos need to demonstrate that they have overcome the timidity of this parliament and have found their voice on the environment.” Shaun Spiers, Chief Executive, Campaign to Protect Rural England:

“Our supporters care deeply about the local and the global environment. We want to see party manifestos which show that politicians share our concerns and will introduce policies to tackle our major environmental challenges. We hope in particular that the political parties will look to improve the planning system, which in recent years has marginalised community aspiration and environmental considerations. We need local authorities to work together for the good of our landscapes, and a community right of appeal to back up the welcome introduction of neighbourhood planning.”