Sheffield Green Party Councillor Bernard Little said "Sir Nicholas Stern's Treasury report (launched 30th October) spells out the need to take immediate action on climate change or face catastrophic economic consequences. The report begins to address the massive changes needed in the way government should run the economy to make the necessary cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, not about individuals turning off their TV monitors. This report concludes it's no longer credible to say taking action on climate change will damage the economy. If we don't act now it will cost five or twenty times as much in the future.
Cllr. Jillian Creasy said, "This will mean facing the fact that investing in a massive retail and entertainment boom through the New Retail Quarter, the Super-casino alongside expanding air travel and spending millions promoting international trade is barking up completely the wrong tree"
The Green Party want:
1. An emergency meeting of the full council to be called to debate the Stern report. There should be a withdrawal of the Party whip so councillors can speak freely and an action programme drawn up.
2. A city economy that will protect our citizens from the worst effects by investing in measures such as weather proofing homes, renewable energy and public transport. Start to prepare people to be more self sufficient in a world where resources including cheap movement of goods and people is no longer possible.
3. The Sheffield City Council to appoint a cabinet member to champion tackling climate change as recommended in the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Climate Change Action Plan.
4. Adopt greenhouse gas reduction targets in line with the need to stop a rise of 2C global rise in temperature.
Cllr Bernard Little said "Sheffield is taking the lead among the 8 largest core cities in England on climate change. We need therefore to demonstrate real and effective political leadership. Fudging the issue, blaming President Bush, Tony Blair, China, the oil companies or the precarious state of our local economy is not good enough. It's time for action."
Published and Promoted by Graham Wroe for Sheffield Green Party at 62 Penthorpe Close, Sheffield, S12 2GU