The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published last week ahead on the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali in two weeks is a stark reminder for political leaders to get to grips with reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In light of this scientific evidence SCCC is calling on its supporters to lobby Welsh MPs to strengthen the Climate Change Bill and avoid climate chaos.

Next week, the SCCC coalition is sending packs to its supporters in Wales calling on them to lobby their MPs to strengthen the Bill before its crucial second reading which is expected before Christmas.

The Climate Bill, if passed into law will be the first legal framework for carbon dioxide emissions in the world. It offers a substantial opportunity to legally commit the UK to cutting its emissions – but only if it's tough enough.

Steve Brooks, Head of Oxfam Cymru and Chair of SCC Cymru, said: "The UK has a unique opportunity to introduce the world's first ever Climate Change Bill but it is vital that Welsh MPs make the Bill as strong as possible.

"We need MPs to commit to an 80% carbon dioxide reduction by 2050. The current proposal of only a 60% carbon dioxide cut is not enough"

"This year we have seen the impacts of extreme weather hit home as well as abroad. Floods in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal devastated the lives of over 40 million people and in the UK, insurers estimate the cost of floods at £3 billion. Scientists predict that climate change will mean these weather patterns will get worse and more frequent. The Climate Change Bill must hit the right reduction target or the law will not do its job."

"Carbon emissions from aviation are the fastest growing source of emissions in the UK and the effectiveness of the Climate Change Bill could be undermined if they are not included. Emissions from aviation could account for between 50 and 100% of the UK's carbon budget by 2050."

Climate Change Bill
The Climate Change Bill is due to go before the Commons for its Second Reading before Christmas. SCCC is part of Stop Climate Chaos UK, and is delighted that the Government is introducing climate legislation but say it must be much stronger if it is to be effective. Crucially, the new law must acknowledge the 2oC global warming threshold by:

1. 1. Increase the carbon dioxide reduction target, from 60, to at least 80 per cent by 2050.
2. Ensure that the UK's share of emissions from international aviation & shipping are included in the reduction targets.
3. Set binding carbon budgets with annual milestones, to make sure that emissions reductions do not go off track.

The coalition in Wales brings together 14 non-government organisations from the environmental and development sectors, together with faith-based bodies and the National Federation of Women's Institutes in Wales.