Climate change is the biggest single threat to wildlife and people. Science is revealing example after example of birds, mammals and whole ecosystems that are being harmed by a warming world.
Not only that but, we depend on the earth’s natural systems for our food, resources and ultimately our survival. While Europe’s decision makers debate the politics around cutting our carbon targets, millions of vulnerable people are facing increasing drought and severe weather conditions across the world. And of course we’re expecting our own fair share of drought here in the UK. I heard last week when the hosepipe ban began that it would take six weeks of solid rain just to get us back on track! Personally I find this incredible – it definitely sets some alarm bells ringing!
It is clearer than ever that we urgently need to take ambitious action if we are to keep emissions under control and avoid the catastrophic effects of unchecked climate change.
Today we have a chance to do exactly that...
On 26 April, our Prime Minister, David Cameron will deliver an environmental speech to global energy ministers at the Clean Energy Ministerial meeting in London. This speech is a crucial moment in the fight against climate change. We know our Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker, has recently shown his backing for more ambitious climate targets but now we need the Prime Minister to take this message to the international stage.
The story so far tells us that the EU is currently committed to a 20% cut in carbon emissions by 2020, but scientists agree that this reduction target has to be at least 30% if we are to stay within safe levels of climate change.
Today we can put pressure on our Prime Minster to publically show his support for the 30% target and to persuade the rest of Europe to back a more ambitious emissions reduction target.
As a founding member of the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition we are working together with the campaigning organisation 38 degrees, and partner NGOs including Friends of the Earth and WWF to reach as many people as possible. This is your chance to step up and call on Mr Cameron to show that the UK supports the need for greater carbon emission reduction.
Please click here and email the Prime Minister today! And, don’t forget to tell your friends and family and share on facebook, Twitter etc.
As well as emailing and sharing why not send a tweet to Number 10 as well? We have written a few sample tweets that you can use below:
@Number10Gov Please continue to support a 30% emissions reduction target & do all you can to persuade EU countries to adopt it #Ambition30
@Number10Gov Pls show support for 30% emissions target in your speech on 26 April & lead the way for EU countries to adopt it #Ambition30
@Number10Gov Climate Change is the biggest threat we face,Do all you can to build EU support for 30% Emissions reduction target #Ambition30
Thanks for your continued support. Together we can really make a difference.
Martin Abrams