May 14 2007
Environment Secretary David Miliband has highlighted the need for government, business and consumers to work together to reduce CO2 emissions.
He was speaking at the first Climate Change Citizens' Summit in London today (Saturday 12 May).
Following the publication of the draft Climate Change Bill in March, Defra has been helping the public understand the CO2 impact of their lifestyles.
The Citizens' Summit has two key objectives:
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To form part of the draft Bill consultation process that will help Defra create policy which encourage positive individual behaviour on climate change.
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To inform and drive awareness and debate on climate change.
“This event breaks new ground in the way government talks to the public about climate change,” said Mr Miliband. “This is essential because if we are going to tackle it head on, we need everyone on board and everyone having their say.
“I am keen to find out what people really think about climate change, how they are prepared to change their behaviour to tackle it and how government, business and consumers can work together to reduce CO2 emissions.
“All the evidence suggests that when people feel involved they are more likely to think about the impact of their own behaviour. I hope this summit will encourage people to take action.”
During the summit, a representative sample of 150 people (recruited from around the country) were asked to discuss the following questions:
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Do you think there should be legally binding targets for government to ensure that the UK reduces CO2 emissions?
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How can government, business, the workforce and citizens work together effectively to reduce CO2 emissions?
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How can government, business, the workforce and citizens work together effectively to encourage us all, as individuals to make personal behaviour changes?