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30/10/2006
Action needed on climate change, report warns
Urgent action is needed to tackle climate change now, or else it could end up costing a fifth of the global economy, a report has warned.
The review, conducted by former World Bank Chief Economist Sir Nicholas Stern, warned that it was a "false economy" to put off climate change action, since costs would only rise, resulting in the impact of global warming costing as much as 20% of the world's GDP.
In the report, Sir Nicholas said: "There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we act now and act internationally. Governments, businesses and individuals all need to work together to respond to the challenge. Strong, deliberate policy choices by governments are essential to motivate change."
Sir Nicholas made a number of recommendations in the report, including: expanding and linking emissions trading schemes around the world; doubling support for energy research and setting international product standards for energy-efficiency; and fully integrating climate change adaptation into development policy, so that rich countries honour their pledges to increase support.
Commenting on the report, Prime Minister Tony Blair said that the report should be seen as "the final word" on why the world must act now to limit the damage being done to the planet. He warned that the consequences for the planet would be "disastrous" otherwise.
Chancellor Gordon Brown announced a series of measures aimed at tackling climate change, including plans for a new European-wide emissions reduction target of 30% by 2020 and by 60% by 2050.
He also called for a long-term framework of a worldwide carbon market that would lead to a "low-carbon global economy".
Environment Secretary David Miliband also announced plans to establish an independent body - the Carbon Committee - to work with government to reduce emissions over time and across the economy.
(KMcA)
The review, conducted by former World Bank Chief Economist Sir Nicholas Stern, warned that it was a "false economy" to put off climate change action, since costs would only rise, resulting in the impact of global warming costing as much as 20% of the world's GDP.
In the report, Sir Nicholas said: "There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we act now and act internationally. Governments, businesses and individuals all need to work together to respond to the challenge. Strong, deliberate policy choices by governments are essential to motivate change."
Sir Nicholas made a number of recommendations in the report, including: expanding and linking emissions trading schemes around the world; doubling support for energy research and setting international product standards for energy-efficiency; and fully integrating climate change adaptation into development policy, so that rich countries honour their pledges to increase support.
Commenting on the report, Prime Minister Tony Blair said that the report should be seen as "the final word" on why the world must act now to limit the damage being done to the planet. He warned that the consequences for the planet would be "disastrous" otherwise.
Chancellor Gordon Brown announced a series of measures aimed at tackling climate change, including plans for a new European-wide emissions reduction target of 30% by 2020 and by 60% by 2050.
He also called for a long-term framework of a worldwide carbon market that would lead to a "low-carbon global economy".
Environment Secretary David Miliband also announced plans to establish an independent body - the Carbon Committee - to work with government to reduce emissions over time and across the economy.
(KMcA)
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30 January 2006
Government report warns of 'dangerous' climate changes
A report launched today concludes that the effects of 'dangerous' levels of climate change are likely to occur over coming decades. It offers little hope that CO2 emissions can be kept in check, and that given rapid global warming, meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet will cause sea levels to rise by seven metres.
Government report warns of 'dangerous' climate changes
A report launched today concludes that the effects of 'dangerous' levels of climate change are likely to occur over coming decades. It offers little hope that CO2 emissions can be kept in check, and that given rapid global warming, meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet will cause sea levels to rise by seven metres.
13 October 2011
Over Half Face Unaffordable Rent
A charity working for the rights of homeless people has published a report saying working families face unaffordable private rents in over half of local authorities in England.
Over Half Face Unaffordable Rent
A charity working for the rights of homeless people has published a report saying working families face unaffordable private rents in over half of local authorities in England.
17 February 2006
Emissions legacy threatens 'abrupt' climate change
New research suggests that the decisions of this generation will leave a legacy of increasingly abrupt climate change over the next millennium unless there is a major reduction in C02 emissions.
Emissions legacy threatens 'abrupt' climate change
New research suggests that the decisions of this generation will leave a legacy of increasingly abrupt climate change over the next millennium unless there is a major reduction in C02 emissions.
12 December 2003
Climate change killed 150,000 in 2000: UN report
Climate change is taking a serious toll on health, with more than 150,000 directly related deaths worldwide in 2000, according to a United Nations report. The report, 'Climate Change and Human Health – Risks and Responses', stated that climate change was responsible for 150,000 deaths, 2.
Climate change killed 150,000 in 2000: UN report
Climate change is taking a serious toll on health, with more than 150,000 directly related deaths worldwide in 2000, according to a United Nations report. The report, 'Climate Change and Human Health – Risks and Responses', stated that climate change was responsible for 150,000 deaths, 2.
02 April 2014
High Levels Of Air Pollution In England And Wales
Public Health England (PHE) scientists are issuing advice for parts of England and Wales. In the last few days, a combination of local emissions, light winds, pollution from the continent and dust blown over from the Sahara caused a spike in the UK Air Quality Index compiled by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
High Levels Of Air Pollution In England And Wales
Public Health England (PHE) scientists are issuing advice for parts of England and Wales. In the last few days, a combination of local emissions, light winds, pollution from the continent and dust blown over from the Sahara caused a spike in the UK Air Quality Index compiled by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
