The EU played a leading role in the Bali negotiations arguing strongly for binding targets, even though Greens criticised these for being too low. The EU recognises that we cannot expect developing countries to tackle their emissions unless we take action ourselves, but still fails to meet its own reduction targets. We need a stronger Green Group in the 2009 Parliament to accelerate change. There is rapidly growing awareness in India and China, but there will be more action if the West keeps its promises.
There is no shortage of debate about targets or policy on climate change: the real challenge is to develop, fund and implement coherent strategies that will deliver a real reduction in emissions. Individual action is important and initiatives like the one-stop shop introduced in London as a result of a Green budget proposal are important (http://www.greenhomesconcierge.co.uk) but Greens know they must be part of the bigger picture and that demands political leadership. It is the job of politicians to make it easy for people to do the right thing.
Local councils have an extremely important part to play: they can set standards, use their procurement policies, planning powers, provide information and training to ensure that climate awareness runs through their work; everything from ensuring adequate drinking fountains, registers of those “at risk” in both hot and cold weather to renewable energy in new social housing (see Kirklees).
Change happens faster when Greens are elected: we bring new ideas and other parties focus more. May 1st is Election Day for London’s Mayor and Assembly and local elections in many other places. Our New Year Resolution must be to make 2008 our most successful year yet - the planet needs the Greens!
