WWF-UK: UK leads G8 dawdlers in race against climate change
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UK leads G8 dawdlers in race against climate change
Friday 4 July 2008
But Scotland can up the pace
The UK is leading the G8 nations in achieving Kyoto targets but the group is moving too slowly overall in the race against climate change, according to new research just published ahead of the G8 summit in Hokkaido, Japan.
The G8 Climate Scorecards 2008, a report by independent consultancy Ecofys commissioned jointly by environmental organization WWF and financial services provider, Allianz, examines the climate performance of the G8 nations and five emerging economies according to nine quantitative indicators, such as comparing past emission trends since 1990 and progress against the country's Kyoto target. It also scores performance on three specific policy areas: energy efficiency, renewable energy, and development of carbon markets.
Dr Dan Barlow, Head of Policy at WWF Scotland said:
"Although the UK is likely to reach its Kyoto target, its share of renewable energy, at around only 2%, is way too low. Our research shows that none of the leading industrialized countries are on track to meet the required emission reductions to stay within a 2 degree warming. We have 10 years left in which global emissions have to peak and decline. Time is running out.
"Three years on from the G8 summit at Gleneagles, this report shows that not nearly enough progress has been made by the world's most powerful nations on tackling climate change. There is a duty on them to do so, especially as they have disproportionately contributed to the problem."
Dr Barlow continued: "While international leaders have hesitated when presented with the overwhelming case for action, Scotland has an incredible opportunity to show global leadership through the Scottish Climate Change Bill. The Scottish Government must seize this opportunity and present a credible Bill that includes an 80% reduction in greenhouse gases, statutory targets of 3% year-on-year reduction in greenhouse gases and emissions from international aviation and shipping. The world is looking for real leadership; as a nation Scotland can lead the way."
Andrew Torrance, CEO of Allianz Insurance and recently appointed Chairman of the insurance industry's ClimateWise initiative said:
"We in the insurance industry wish to make our contribution through reducing our own emissions, encouraging climate friendly behaviour by our customers and taking investment decisions in the context of climate change. Governments around the world must urgently take action to protect people from serious weather events like last year's flooding in Britain which will increase in frequency and severity due to climate change."
Leaders at the upcoming G8 Summit in Japan should commit to a binding long-term target for emission reductions of 80% by 2050, and as close to 40% as possible by 2020, the report states.
WWF is calling for decisive action now which could translate into economic success. The Japanese Presidency of the Hokkaido Summit should commit the G8 countries to significant and binding emission reduction targets. The G8 should pledge financial and technology support for low carbon development and for adaptation measures that are measurable, reportable and verifiable, in developing countries.
As part of WWF International's Climate Witness programme, one witness from each of the G8 nations has written to their head of state detailing their observations about how climate change has affected their locality and calling for a commitment to emission reductions at the summit in Japan on 7th-9th July. The UK's climate witness is Neil Smith, an ice climber from Kyle of Lochalsh in the Scottish Highlands.
Summary of Conclusions
According to the G8 Climate Scorecards 2008, the UK leads the race slightly ahead of France and Germany but all three countries are at best half as far along the road as they should be.
The UK is projected to reach its Kyoto target, and introduces innovative policies like the Climate Change Bill. While it is putting a strong emphasis on its carbon markets approach, it does too little to accelerate its use of renewable energy and foster energy efficiency. Furthermore the share of coal is currently rising in the UK energy mix, which drives emissions up.
The G8 Climate Scorecards 2008, a report by independent consultancy Ecofys commissioned jointly by environmental organization WWF and financial services provider, Allianz, examines the climate performance of the G8 nations and five emerging economies according to nine quantitative indicators, such as comparing past emission trends since 1990 and progress against the country's Kyoto target. It also scores performance on three specific policy areas: energy efficiency, renewable energy, and development of carbon markets.
Dr Dan Barlow, Head of Policy at WWF Scotland said:
"Although the UK is likely to reach its Kyoto target, its share of renewable energy, at around only 2%, is way too low. Our research shows that none of the leading industrialized countries are on track to meet the required emission reductions to stay within a 2 degree warming. We have 10 years left in which global emissions have to peak and decline. Time is running out.
"Three years on from the G8 summit at Gleneagles, this report shows that not nearly enough progress has been made by the world's most powerful nations on tackling climate change. There is a duty on them to do so, especially as they have disproportionately contributed to the problem."
Dr Barlow continued: "While international leaders have hesitated when presented with the overwhelming case for action, Scotland has an incredible opportunity to show global leadership through the Scottish Climate Change Bill. The Scottish Government must seize this opportunity and present a credible Bill that includes an 80% reduction in greenhouse gases, statutory targets of 3% year-on-year reduction in greenhouse gases and emissions from international aviation and shipping. The world is looking for real leadership; as a nation Scotland can lead the way."
Andrew Torrance, CEO of Allianz Insurance and recently appointed Chairman of the insurance industry's ClimateWise initiative said:
"We in the insurance industry wish to make our contribution through reducing our own emissions, encouraging climate friendly behaviour by our customers and taking investment decisions in the context of climate change. Governments around the world must urgently take action to protect people from serious weather events like last year's flooding in Britain which will increase in frequency and severity due to climate change."
Leaders at the upcoming G8 Summit in Japan should commit to a binding long-term target for emission reductions of 80% by 2050, and as close to 40% as possible by 2020, the report states.
WWF is calling for decisive action now which could translate into economic success. The Japanese Presidency of the Hokkaido Summit should commit the G8 countries to significant and binding emission reduction targets. The G8 should pledge financial and technology support for low carbon development and for adaptation measures that are measurable, reportable and verifiable, in developing countries.
As part of WWF International's Climate Witness programme, one witness from each of the G8 nations has written to their head of state detailing their observations about how climate change has affected their locality and calling for a commitment to emission reductions at the summit in Japan on 7th-9th July. The UK's climate witness is Neil Smith, an ice climber from Kyle of Lochalsh in the Scottish Highlands.
Summary of Conclusions
According to the G8 Climate Scorecards 2008, the UK leads the race slightly ahead of France and Germany but all three countries are at best half as far along the road as they should be.
The UK is projected to reach its Kyoto target, and introduces innovative policies like the Climate Change Bill. While it is putting a strong emphasis on its carbon markets approach, it does too little to accelerate its use of renewable energy and foster energy efficiency. Furthermore the share of coal is currently rising in the UK energy mix, which drives emissions up.
