Stunell joins new Lib Dem Leader to go Carbon Speed Dating

5.40.16pm GMT Thu 9th Mar 2006

Local MP, Andrew Stunell joined the new Liberal Democrat Leader, Menzies Campbell to go Carbon Speed Dating with 650 supporters the new climate change coalition, Stop Climate Chaos.

They rotated around different 'dating' tables, listening to concerns and answering questions on tackling climate change, and called for tough UK action on climate change.

Speaking after the event, Andrew Stunell MP said:

"'Carbon Speed Dating' was an excellent opportunity to speak with environmental experts from dozens of charities and organisations. I am more committed than ever to pushing the Government to take radical action to combat climate change.

"Climate change is the biggest threat facing the planet today. In the past year we have had a bitter taste of what's ahead as our climate changes, with Hurricane Katrina, floods in Cornwall, and droughts and famines across sub-Saharan Africa.

"The Government must make bold decisions to get UK carbon emissions under control and show genuine global leadership on this issue.

"We need investment to become world leaders in renewable technology, and to save the 50% of energy that is wasted in our homes every day."

Notes to editors

1. Please contact Jane Allen for photographs of Andrew Stunell MP 'carbon speed dating'.

2. Stop Climate Chaos was launched in September 2005 and is calling on the government for:

a. Action in the UK: Establish a Carbon Budget that cuts emissions by 3 per cent and which covers all sectors of the economy, and use all the tax, incentive and regulatory tools at its disposal to ensure the target is met.

b. Action for justice: Provide all necessary assistance to developing countries to both adapt to climate change and in the longer term get access to sufficient clean energy to meet their developmental needs.

3. The growing coalition contains most of the UK's leading environmental and international development organisations as well as women's organisations, activist groups and faith-based campaigns: Airport Watch, BMS world Mission, CAFOD, Campaign against Climate Change. Centre for Alternative Technology , Christian Aid, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Islamic Foundation for Ecology & Environmental Sciences, Medact, Operation Noah, Oxfam, People and Planet, Practical Action, Road Block, RSPB, Save our World, Sustrans, Tearfund, UNISON, The Wildlife Trusts, Take Global Warming Seriously, Transport 2000, National Federation of Women's Institutes, Women's Environment Network, Woodland Trust, World Development Movement and WWF.

4. For further information on Stop Climate Chaos and to find out how to get involved visit www.stopclimatechaos.org or contact Roz Hunt: roz@stopclimatechaos.org / 0207 324 4750