Blair calls for immediate action on a low-carbon economy

6 July 2009

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has called for immediate action on energy efficiency and a commitment to develop the next generation of low-carbon technology.

The ‘Technology for a Low Carbon Future’ comes just days before US President Barack Obama chairs a meeting to discuss the steps taken in anticipation of the Copenhagen climate agreement later this year.

The report finds that 70 per cent of the reductions needed by 2020 can be achieved by investing in energy efficiency such as lighting, vehicles, buildings and motors, and reducing deforestation. It calls for international cooperation spurred by an ambitious agreement in Copenhagen to rapidly lower costs and accelerate scale up of both current and future technologies.

The reports concludes that the focus should now be on existing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, along with efforts to halt deforestation, which will serve to cut emissions in the short term. Meanwhile investment can be made in next generation technologies such as carbon capture and storage and nuclear power to take us into the middle of the century.

Blair said, ‘This report shows how major reductions even by 2020 are achievable if we focus action on certain key technologies, deploy policies that have been proven to work, and invest now for the development of those future technologies that will take time to mature.

‘And these technologies bring economic and social opportunities too. Just as investing in electrification, railways and the internet led to economic growth in the past, investing in clean energy can help reignite the global economy now.’

Blair added that it was the job of the Major Economies Forum to put into place a framework for a successful global accord in Copenhagen.

Steve Howard, CEO of The Climate Group, summed up, ‘Many businesses are already leading the way by investing in innovative and exciting clean technologies, including solar power, electric vehicles and smart buildings, that cut emissions, help growth and create jobs. Politicians must now match this leadership by agreeing challenging targets that provide a clear framework for transformational investment in the low carbon economy.’

Copyright © 2009 NewNet

Tags: energy efficiency

This story was published on Monday, July 6th, 2009 at 2:49 pm and is filed under Europe, energy efficiency, news, policy. You can follow any responses to article entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

One Response to “Blair calls for immediate action on a low-carbon economy”

1. Graeme Mackay says:

   7 July 2009 at 11:19 pm

   Let,s get on with it

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