WWF-UK: Cameron interview
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Cameron interview
During David Cameron's first days as leader of the Conservative Party, we've heard some bold words about new beginnings for the party - especially on environmental policy.
We've also seen the would-be PM go to great lengths to portray himself as a man committed to an eco-friendly lifestyle. WWF secured an exclusive interview to find out more.
If you are Prime Minister in 2010, what role would you like Britain to play in global action on climate change?
I sincerely hope that by 2010 there will be some evidence that the UK is helping to reduce climate change emissions, and not still contributing to the problem. Tony Blair was quite right to put this issue at the top of his international agenda, but leadership means doing the right thing, not just saying it.
Why is the environment important to you? How have you and your family changed your lifestyles to reflect this?
Every year we all get a bit better at recycling. We try to support local shops, or food grown and processed in an environmentally friendly way. I recently read Felicity Lawrence's book Not on the Label – and that changed some of the food I buy.
What does sustainability mean to the Conservatives and how would you make Britain greener?
For me, living sustainably means recognising that the Earth has natural limits, and trying to live within them. Another definition would be not paying for our comforts out of our children's future. But sustainability must mean sustainable growth. We don't need to halt economic growth or return everyone to the dark ages.
Should businesses take more responsibility for their impact on the environment?
Industry can, indeed must, be part of the solution, but they need to know what is expected from them. Having set a framework out, politicians shouldn't
then interfere all the time.
What would be your three top tips to help WWF supporters become greener?
The easiest things to stick to are those where you can see a clear benefit for yourself or your family. I like bicycling to work because it makes me feel better, and I enjoy growing my own vegetables because they taste better. Some of the things we can do to reduce our impact on the environment - home insulation, for example - will save us money.
Arctic adventure interview
Listen to WWF's John Alker and Alison Sutton talking about their Arctic adventure with David Cameron.
David Cameron at the retreating Scott Turner glacier, in Svalbard, Norway.
If you are Prime Minister in 2010, what role would you like Britain to play in global action on climate change?
I sincerely hope that by 2010 there will be some evidence that the UK is helping to reduce climate change emissions, and not still contributing to the problem. Tony Blair was quite right to put this issue at the top of his international agenda, but leadership means doing the right thing, not just saying it.
Why is the environment important to you? How have you and your family changed your lifestyles to reflect this?
Every year we all get a bit better at recycling. We try to support local shops, or food grown and processed in an environmentally friendly way. I recently read Felicity Lawrence's book Not on the Label – and that changed some of the food I buy.
What does sustainability mean to the Conservatives and how would you make Britain greener?
For me, living sustainably means recognising that the Earth has natural limits, and trying to live within them. Another definition would be not paying for our comforts out of our children's future. But sustainability must mean sustainable growth. We don't need to halt economic growth or return everyone to the dark ages.
Should businesses take more responsibility for their impact on the environment?
Industry can, indeed must, be part of the solution, but they need to know what is expected from them. Having set a framework out, politicians shouldn't
then interfere all the time.
What would be your three top tips to help WWF supporters become greener?
The easiest things to stick to are those where you can see a clear benefit for yourself or your family. I like bicycling to work because it makes me feel better, and I enjoy growing my own vegetables because they taste better. Some of the things we can do to reduce our impact on the environment - home insulation, for example - will save us money.
Arctic adventure interview
Listen to WWF's John Alker and Alison Sutton talking about their Arctic adventure with David Cameron.
Get involved
Help WWF to lobby politicians and other decision-makers by becoming an online campaigner.
"Leadership means doing the right thing, not just saying it"
More than lip service?
David Cameron was also among about 60 MPs at a Stop Climate Chaos lobbying event in Westminster in March.
WWF's membership of this growing coalition of environmental, international development, faith-based and women's organisations gave supporters and staff a chance to urge politicians to act on human induced climate change.
It also gave WWF the chance to find out what some of our supporters think of Mr Cameron's ideas.
Janine Murphy Franklin, 29, from Brixton, said:
"With most politicians it is just lip service. I want to know what they are doing in their own departments when they are offered a Jag or a hybrid vehicle.
"I think he is genuinely passionate about it, but what he does about it is a different thing. People are passionate about lots of things before they are in office, aren't they?"
Adrian Thompson, 59, from Guildford, was similarly heartened, but cautious:
"I am very impressed with what he is saying, but I am still sceptical about whether he will put it into practice," he said. "We don't really know him, do we? But it is a sea change in Conservative politics."
WWF's membership of this growing coalition of environmental, international development, faith-based and women's organisations gave supporters and staff a chance to urge politicians to act on human induced climate change.
It also gave WWF the chance to find out what some of our supporters think of Mr Cameron's ideas.
Janine Murphy Franklin, 29, from Brixton, said:
"With most politicians it is just lip service. I want to know what they are doing in their own departments when they are offered a Jag or a hybrid vehicle.
"I think he is genuinely passionate about it, but what he does about it is a different thing. People are passionate about lots of things before they are in office, aren't they?"
Adrian Thompson, 59, from Guildford, was similarly heartened, but cautious:
"I am very impressed with what he is saying, but I am still sceptical about whether he will put it into practice," he said. "We don't really know him, do we? But it is a sea change in Conservative politics."
Keith Allott, Head of WWF's Climate Change programme, met the Tory leader face to face at the event:
"We are pleased he is prioritising climate change and the environment," he said. "We would like his interest in these issues to develop into concrete action and really effective policies."
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This article originally appeared in WWF Action - the WWF-UK members magazine. If you'd like to receive this magazine and other member benefits find out about becoming a member today.