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17/05/2012
UK's Carbon Targets Put At Risk By Funding Cuts
A new report to be published by the government climate advisers will warn that funding cuts to squeezed local authorities are putting the UK's carbon targets at risk.
The Committee on Climate Change, the statutory body set up to advise ministers on how to meet the government's carbon targets, called for local authorities to be ordered to develop and implement plans to cut carbon emissions, with national funding to do so.
Prof Julia King, a member of the committee, told the Guardian that local authorities' climate change initiatives had been badly affected by austerity measures, with climate efforts often one of the first services to go during budget cuts.
But she said: "Local authorities have the potential to significantly impact the UK's scale and speed of emissions reductions. There is a wealth of good work being done already at local and regional levels, but many opportunities remain untapped. It is essential that these opportunities are delivered if we are to meet our national carbon targets."
Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth's executive director, welcomed the report: "This is a stark warning the government can't afford to ignore - UK climate targets won't be met unless ministers ensure every council plays its part in slashing emissions, and has the funds to do so. The government has failed to support local action on climate change – and only a few council leaders are currently championing action on the scale required."
(H)
The Committee on Climate Change, the statutory body set up to advise ministers on how to meet the government's carbon targets, called for local authorities to be ordered to develop and implement plans to cut carbon emissions, with national funding to do so.
Prof Julia King, a member of the committee, told the Guardian that local authorities' climate change initiatives had been badly affected by austerity measures, with climate efforts often one of the first services to go during budget cuts.
But she said: "Local authorities have the potential to significantly impact the UK's scale and speed of emissions reductions. There is a wealth of good work being done already at local and regional levels, but many opportunities remain untapped. It is essential that these opportunities are delivered if we are to meet our national carbon targets."
Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth's executive director, welcomed the report: "This is a stark warning the government can't afford to ignore - UK climate targets won't be met unless ministers ensure every council plays its part in slashing emissions, and has the funds to do so. The government has failed to support local action on climate change – and only a few council leaders are currently championing action on the scale required."
(H)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly dry day, rather cloudy, but some sunny spells, best of these in the afternoon. A few showers spread south from late morning, turning wintry in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 5 °C.Tonight:A cold evening and night with a frost. It will be largely dry, but a few wintry showers towards the north coast overnight. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
