Camden FOE campaigned vigorously for a strong climate change law as part of Friends of the Earth’s national Big Ask. Members of the group went out on the streets of Camden and elsewhere in London to gather support which has then been presented to our MPs. We are pleased to say that both Frank Dobson MP (Holborn & St Pancras, Lab) and Glenda Jackson MP (Hampstead and Highgate, Lab) supported our calls for a strong law, and registered their concern about the lack of inclusion of international aviation emissions.

Measuring Carbon Footprints at Camden Green Fair

Our current climate change campaign ‘Get Serious About CO₂‘ is calling on Camden Council to commit to cutting CO₂ in the local area by at least 40 per cent by 2020, and to produce an action plan detailing how it’s going to happen. The Fix the Food Chain campaign highlights calls for ‘planet-friendly farming’ to be encouraged, to reduce climate change emissions produced by the meat and dairy industry.

What causes climate change?

Climate change is caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other polluting gases in our atmosphere.

The gases trap heat by forming a blanket around the Earth – like the glass of a greenhouse. The greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for many years. As they build up, the planet’s temperature rises.

What causes greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases are released by burning fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas. These fuels are used in industry, cars and aeroplanes and for heating our home and businesses.

The effects of climate change

If we don’t take action, we’ll see freakier weather every year. Millions in the UK will be at risk of flooding. Billions worldwide will face droughts and violent storms. The world’s poor will be the worst hit and we could lose some wildlife species too.

What can we do?

The UK has a lot of influence on the world political stage. We could be world leaders in the battle against climate change.  The UK Government says it wants a 20% cut in CO₂ pollution by 2010. But levels have been rising not falling in recent years.  We need to keep pressure on local and national governments to make sure they’re achieving their emissions reductions targets.

If you want to be involved, co-sign Friends of the Earth’s letter to party leaders to call for determined action to tackle climate change.  You can also sign up for ClimateOnline email updates.