June 8th 2009

Dear Editor.

Sheffield's 'Carbon Reduction Framework' (approved by Council on 3rd
June) exposes the administration's lack of understanding about how to
tackle climate change. It contains no renewable energy targets.

When in opposition, this administration supported a city-wide carbon
footprint reduction plan (accounting for both direct emissions from
burning fossil fuels and indirect emissions embodied in the production,
transport and disposal of goods) with long term annual reduction
targets. It has retreated from that goal and now is just committed to
cutting direct emissions. What happened to that plan?

Neither the LibDem or Labour Party would support the Green councillor's
plea for a 60% carbon reduction by 2025 as set out in "Carbon
Footprints, Local Steps" by the New Local Government Network. We called
for the council to lobby government for a locally administered carbon
credit card; promote electric vehicles only if the power comes from
renew-ables; local organic food consumption and local holidays rather
than flying. The Green Party also wants real action on the 50% of the
hard-to-treat homes in the city and action to promote reduction, reuse
and repair not just the Council's "Buy it Naked" supermarket campaign.

We are disappointed that the council thinks its job is primarily to
focus on encouraging the individual to do their bit. This must be
backed up by local/central government action which accounts for well
over a half of emissions as individuals can only achieve so much on
their own.

The Economic Masterplan for Sheffield needs to be re-written in the
light of the recent Green New Deal meeting so that we really are a low
carbon city. As Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg says, "Let's cut the waffle
and start creating actual green jobs".

Yours Sincerely.
Green Party Councillor Bernard Little.

Notes:
'Carbon Footprints, Local Steps:How local government can rise to the
climate challenge New Local Government Framework 10th October 2007.

Quote from Nick Clegg from www"insidehousing.co.uk/footprint 006/summer
'09.