Government Decisions on Climate Change Frustrate Christian Charity

|TOP|Tearfund recently expressed disappointment that the Government's emphasis in Energy Review is on using nuclear power to tackle climate change.

According to Tearfund, no changes have been made today following the Government’s commitment in 2003 to achieve a target of renewables supplying 20 percent of UK electricity by 2020.

The review has concluded that new nuclear power stations will make a significant contribution to meeting the UK's energy policy goals and that nuclear power is an essential part of the mix of energy supply.

The relief agency noted that while some communities around the world are already suffering the impacts of global climate change, not enough attention is being paid to renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures.

Rachel Roach, Tearfund's climate change policy officer, said: "Tearfund is disappointed with the outcome of the Government's latest Energy Review launched today. The Government has missed a key chance for the UK to lead the way in developing a low-carbon economy via energy efficiency measures. The chance to develop renewables such as wind, wave and tidal power, seems to have been missed.

|AD|"We believe the UK government should not facilitate any new build nuclear power stations while there remain viable alternatives in the form of critical investment in energy efficiency, renewables and decentralisation including combined heat and power.

"It is strange that the government seems so set on nuclear when many credible sources have concluded that energy efficiency, renewables and other measures can meet the UK's energy needs and emissions targets. Tearfund's research demonstrates that using nuclear power is not the most effective way to combat combat climate change."

Tearfund argues that the use of alternative forms of energy should be maximised and cites the Government's own Sustainable Development Commission whose position is that 'there is no justification for bringing forward a new nuclear power programme at present'.

Although Tearfund supports the Government's goal of cutting carbon emissions by 60 percent by 2050 and welcomes the recognition within the Energy Review that renewables and energy efficiency measures do have a significant role to play in reaching this target, they say Government commitments are not strong enough.