“We want a real deal” carved into an ice sculpture outside the Copenhagen climate talks
The best-kept secret in UK politics is that we’re going to the polls on May 6th to decide who will lead the UK for next 4 years. The election battle lines are already being drawn, policy positions are being formulated and we’re all getting ready for a good old political ding-dong.
Over the next few weeks people wearing rosettes and repeating slogans will be knocking on your door and canvassing for your support. When they do, tell them how passionate you are about taking action to help people living in poverty combat the affects of climate change.
Polls show widespread public support for strong action on climate change. However, candidates aren’t currently prioritising it in their constituency campaigning, let’s change this. Domestic problems will be top of most people’s list of concerns but as well as worrying about the economy etc, it’s vital that we don’t let climate change slip off the radar.
The December 2009 UN climate change Summit in Copenhagen didn’t result in the FAB deal (fair, ambitious and legally binding) that the world desperately needs. The world still needs that deal and we must make sure that the new Government (whoever they are) works towards getting it. They must also do their best to reduce carbon emissions at home and help finance climate adaptation and mitigation in poor countries.
Failure to act on climate change in the next decade presents a high risk of severe and irreversible damage, with profound consequences for our planet and communities world-wide.
Climate change can be tackled. The UK can be put on the path to a green economy with thousands of new green jobs. But only if politicians know that there is public support for action. In the UK, a General Election is the opportunity to give that message loud and clear.
As we get ready for the national political conversation that comes around at election time, make sure that you take part and help to make climate change a real election issue.
More ways you can help to tackle climate change.