Carla Denyer responds to annual BEIS greenhouse gas report
1 February 2022
Responding to the release of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s final figures for 2020’s greenhouse gas emissions in the UK today [1], Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“While 2020 saw a drop in greenhouse gas emissions due to the pandemic and reduced travel, these figures do not provide any reassurance. Greenhouse gas emissions have rebounded since 2020 as the Government has continued to resist meaningful investment in cleaner transport, renewable energy and better-insulated homes.
“Public transport remains inaccessible or unaffordable in most places outside London. Yet the Government is still throwing an absurd £27 billion into building new roads, even though their own climate advisors warn very clearly that this could increase greenhouse gas emissions. That money would be much better spent on public transport, walking and cycling.
“Now, the cost of living is soaring as a result of the Government’s reluctance to invest in renewable energy instead of relying on oil and gas, and their dismal failure to make houses more energy efficient means that people are paying huge bills for heating that leaks out of their draughty homes. Ramping up renewable energy and insulating homes is the best way to ensure that no one has to pay exorbitant bills, as well as saving carbon.”
Notes
1