I guess it comes as no surprise that senior members of the Labour government have started taking environmental issues more seriously. The polls have spoken. Today the Prime Minister is on the stump accompanied by his ‘close friend’ the Chancellor. The topic that has drawn out the ‘Big Beasts’ is the Stern Report (a review is here).
Cleverly leaked in yesterday’s papers, this report has drawn attention to the economic consequences of global warming. The consequences being economic is key. To date, the adverse effects of climate change have been presented in ‘natural’ terms: rising sea levels, extinction of species, adverse weather events, to name but a few. The Stern Report has now highlighted the financial implications of our polluting behaviour. Hence, action will now be more likely taken. The Chinese, Indians and Americans need a vibrant world economy to continue their economic advance. It is now appears proven to be in all of their long-term interests to reduce carbon emissions.
David Cameron has lead on the environment since his election as leader. He has been consistent and repeated the concerns of many. At Conference this year I went to view Al Gore’s film – whether you fully accepted the conclusions or not, the impact of that movie was unquestionable. David Cameron spoke after the film and made some good comments. It is clearly a subject that matters to him personally. And that is the difference. When I see Gordon Brown (and David Milliband) coming to the party late I am suspicious. Are they recent converts? Their party’s environmental record to date has been far from impressive. What about Mr Prescott’s Transport plan?
I am pleased that the government has started going green. I am pleased it is taking climate change seriously. I am particularly pleased that environmental policy is now at the centre of British politics. David Cameron has put it there.
