MPs urged to declare climate emergency

MPs must declare a climate emergency to show they recognise the magnitude of the threat we face, Friends of the Earth said ahead of today’s (Wednesday) vote in the House of Commons.

Friends of the Earth chief executive Craig Bennett said: 

"Time to avert catastrophic climate change and the horrifying impacts it will have on our lives and livelihoods is fast running out.

"The declaration of a climate emergency would show our MPs truly recognise the magnitude of the threat we face – and hopefully trigger the bold action needed to rapidly end our addiction to climate-wrecking fossil fuels. 
 
“The good news is that the solutions already exist – all that’s lacking is the political will, leadership and urgency. 

“We need to stop fuelling climate change by building more runways, roads and looking for yet more fossil fuels, and instead build a cleaner, healthier future by investing in energy efficiency and harnessing the nation’s huge renewable power potential.”

Notes:

1. A "climate emergency" was declared earlier this week in Wales.
2. A decision on a legal challenge brought by a number of environmental NGOs, pressure groups and local councils – including Friends of the Earth - against the government’s decision to allow the building of a third runway at Heathrow airport, is expected later on 1 May 2019.
3. Friends of the Earth is focused on solutions which is why it has unveiled a Climate Action Plan that that the government should implement to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 at the latest. It covers transport, buildings, land-use and the UK’s contribution to helping developing countries, as well as aiming for 100% clean energy and stopping airport expansion.