David Cameron & The UK's "Greenest Government Ever" Two Years Later
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From botched cuts to solar subsidies to the aborted forests sell-off, from a new rush for gas to subsidies for nuclear power, there is plenty in the coalition's record that has raised doubts about the competency and commitment of ministers to the cause. Repeated attacks by George Osborne on low-carbon policies – claiming "we're not going to save the planet by putting our country out of business" – have been highlighted as a major cause of concern, with the Chancellor suggesting there is a choice between growth and being green.
The need for action remains acute. Last month, the International Energy Agency warned that energy-related CO2 emissions are on course to almost double by 2050, pushing global temperatures up by at least 6C. "Such an outcome would confront future generations with significant economic, environmental and energy security hardships," said its deputy executive director, Richard H Jones.
Last Wednesday's Queen's Speech was seen by some as a turning point for the coalition. The Energy Bill will aim to provide long-term certainty for investors in low-carbon power, by guaranteeing a steady rate of return. But critics warn it amounts to a subsidy for nuclear plants, something Lib Dems are vehemently opposed to. The heads of four of the country's biggest environmental organisations – Greenpeace, WWF, RSPB and Friends of the Earth – have written to the Government warning against an "over-reliance on gas", which could account for 70 per cent of generating capacity by 2020. The letter, seen by The IoS, calls for more support for renewable energy to "provide investors with long-term certainty".
Ultra-green members of the Government would like more "aggressive" policies, including council tax and business rate discounts for properties that are more energy-efficient. But these are unlikely to get past sceptics who would see it as another "green tax".
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http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/whatever-happened-to-cameron-the-idealistic-young-ecowarrior-7742344.html
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