Lib Dems to lay down climate change challenge for Sheffield

12.00.00am GMT Mon 5th Nov 2007

Lib Dems are proposing measures to protect the global and local environment

Liberal Democrats on Sheffield City Council are set to propose that a citywide target to reduce carbon is introduced. Lib Dems are to put the idea to a meeting of full council which if accepted will see Sheffield leading the way in tackling climate change across the City. Although the Council already has carbon reduction targets for itself, Lib Dems argue that more action is needed if Sheffield is to take real action against climate change.

Less than 5% of total carbon emissions for Sheffield come from the Council. With this in mind the Lib Dems are proposing that the Council uses its powers and influence to act as a key driver to cut Sheffield's carbon footprint. They want to see annual carbon reduction targets introduced as well as an ambitious long-term target.

Despite calls from the public, the Labour controlled Council have refused to introduce a citywide carbon reduction target. Lib Dems believe that their policy is essential if Sheffield is serious about tackling Climate Change, they are urging the rest of the Council to sign-up to their proposal.

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council, said: -

"Climate change is a global issue, but it can also have a serious local impact. We only have to look at the recent devastating floods in Sheffield to realise that. We believe that the issue of climate change is one of the most serious facing our planet and that action is required at every level."

"Whilst we welcome targets to reduce the Councils carbon we must go further than this as they only make up a fraction of Sheffield's total emissions. To really tackle climate change we must act as a driver to reduce carbon across the City through introducing annual and long-term citywide carbon footprint reduction targets."

"In the past Labour have refused to sign up to a citywide target despite pressure from the public. I urge them to rethink and support our proposal in the council chamber next week."

"If the Council adopts our policy then Sheffield will truly be leading the way in tackling climate change at a local level. People don't want more conferences and speeches, they want real action and that's what we are proposing."