news story

1000 sign ups surpassed on world environment day

The regions’ green champions, Sustainability South West (SSW), have been on the (sustainably travelled) road 2-8 June offering members of the public exclusive Fair Shares, Fair Choice carbon cards which show what a climate safe and fair carbon share is for everyone who lives in the South West region. And on World Environment Day 2008, 5 June, Fair Shares, Fair Choice topped 1,000 sign-ups backing the principle of a 'fair world share' of carbon for everyone!  

All sectors are showing their support for the principle of ‘a globally fair and safe carbon share for all.’  Supporters include local councils; South West MPs; local and big businesses; schools; universities; national parks, AONB’s and wildlife trusts; charities; community groups; scores of local residents;  celebrities and most recently over 150 local councillors from all the major political parties! (see Supporters List).

SSW’s Director, Leslie Watson, explains “As predicted, higher energy prices are now affecting our everyday lives. We need to adopt the fairest and safest way to protect ourselves against the effects of insecure and expensive   energy supplies and catastrophic climate change. As the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee new report recognises, personal carbon shares would guarantee a reduction in emissions because it sets a limit on the carbon available rather than hoping that everyone will do their bit. The committee recognises that we need to show how carbon shares can be made acceptable. The wide cross party and cross sector support for the Fair Shares, Fair Choice campaign shows clear signs that government leaders have not yet caught up with the mood of the voters. A recent government report on personal carbon trading concluded that this idea is currently ‘ahead of its time’ and would be expensive to implement. Given that experts say we have around just ten years to reduce the risk of dangerous climate change - when will there be a better time for leadership to be ahead of its time?!  On costs – the government seems to have forgotten the key message of its own report the stern review on Climate Change investing now will save us from far greater costs down the line.”

Many South West local councillors are signing up to Fair Shares, Fair Choice to show they back real action to tackle climate change. Tamsin Williams, Liberal Democrat Cornwall County Councillor, Penzance, says, “Fair Shares, Fair Choice is a really useful way to promote environmentally responsible living.” 

Conservative Councillor, Mrs Vivien Pengelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council says, “As the Leader of Plymouth City Council and Chair of the Board of the Local Strategic Partnership I am delighted to share in this initiative.  We need to understand the local implications of climate change and then deal with them locally and globally.  That's why Plymouth City Council has just adopted a challenging five year carbon management plan.

Speaking on behalf of the Devon County Labour Group, Saxon Spence, Leader of the Devon Labour Group, says “We are happy to support this campaign. We would all say we are trying our best to become greener in our personal lives. We have as a group supported the extension of cycle lanes and bus lanes in Exeter.”

To date 162 councillors and 13 MPs in the region have added their names to the growing Fair Shares, Fair Choice supporters list to show their commitment to taking action on climate change and that acting together to reduce dangerous climate change is more important than party politics  – a strong example for our national leaders to follow.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for your support and commitment to take action on climate change.