18th November 2007

Dear Sir

Tom Hunt (Star letters November 14) suggested that Sheffield should rely on Government set national targets for reducing carbon emissions. A climate change bill is about to be introduced by the government and they want to go for a 60% reduction by 2050. It's not enough and we don't have that much time. Earlier this year the small town of Modbury introduced a plastic bag ban. It has triggered copycat action all over the country and, just 6 months later, all London councils have voted to have their own ban. The government saw the impact of the plastic bag ban tax in Ireland and did nothing. The impact of Modbury will force them to think again.

It is this kind of local campaigning that will force action on climate change, as councils join with community groups and the general public. In Sheffield, the Campaign Against Climate Change have raised public awareness and now have the ear of the council. Organisations like the World Development Movement and the Diocesan Environmental Group are joining established environmental groups like Friends of the Earth in the campaign. The council motion passed to set local targets, voted for by the Green councillors, adds to the building momentum.

Tom Hunt is correct in pointing out some difficulties in establishing the city's carbon footprint but these can be overcome. Local action across this country and the world is the way to force change at government level. If we leave it to Gordon Brown, expect a progress report around 2009 saying emissions were up 2% last year but don't worry we've got 41 years to reach our target.

Yours Sincerely

Eamonn Ward

Sheffield Green Party