Climate change is one of the most serious threats that this country and this world faces. It is not only a significant issue but a moral one as well.
Further to this, I definitely agree that climate change should be taught in schools, and I have already called on the Government to introduce the teaching of climate change in schools. I asked whether the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Amber Rudd MP, plans to work alongside the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP, to ensure that climate change is taught within the curriculum. Mrs Rudd commented that ‘making sure the dangers of climate change are communicated to the next generation remains an important part of our plan and we do work closely with the Department of Education to ensure that happens.’ This is a great result, and suggests real progress.
I was very pleased to recently welcome the climate lobby to Parliament to discuss this very important issue. I am proud of the last government’s record which included trebling renewable energy production to 19.2%, setting up the World’s first Green Investment Bank and signing the deal for the first new nuclear power plant in a generation. These are great first steps but I think the Government can go further.
I was pleased to listen to the lobby who are all very passionate on the topic and I promised that I would continue to lobby the government to ensure that we not only meet our targets but go further to incentivise individuals, businesses and corporations alike to invest in green technology and help cut emissions.
All households should be able to invest in energy efficiency improvements so I am pleased that there is a range of programmes designed to support different houses and locations.
Ministers are aware of the particular challenges faced by those living off the gas grid and are looking at the best ways to help. An important part of this is the £25m Central Heating Fund, which will fund the installation of first time central heating systems in low income off gas grid homes.
In addition, the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) programme supports the installation of renewable heating systems and is primarily designed to offer off-gas households affordable heating alternatives. It compensates for the additional costs of replacing an oil boiler with a renewable heating system.
All homes are eligible for insulation measures, including solid wall insulation, through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. Homeowners and those in privately rented homes who are on specific benefits may also be eligible for support towards heating improvements, including oil-fired boiler replacements, through ECO Affordable Warmth. A package of changes incentivise energy suppliers to deliver more heating and insulation measures in non-gas fuelled homes, including oil fired boiler replacements.
Different energy suppliers may have different funding offers through their installers so it is important to shop around for the best quote. Ofgem, which administers the scheme, provides further information about ECO for consumers on its website, including contact details for the energy suppliers.
You may also like to contact the Government-funded Energy Saving Advice Service, which can provide independent advice on the full range of energy efficiency support. The number to call is 0300 123 1234.
The UK is taking a leading role on the world stage, working towards a binding global deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit climate change to manageable levels. British Ministers led the push to achieve agreement within Europe on a historic deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions. EU countries agreed a new 2030 energy and climate policy framework that includes a domestic emissions reduction target of at least 40 per cent. This represents a big victory for the UK and is a vital step towards achieving an international climate agreement at the key Paris conference later this year, where all the world's leaders will gather.
The Government also set up the International Climate Fund to provide £3.87 billion between 2011 and 2015 to help the world's poorest adapt to climate change and promote cleaner, greener economic growth. Through it, the UK works in partnership with developing countries to:
- reduce carbon emissions through promoting low carbon development;
- help those poorest adapt to the effects of climate change;
- reduce deforestation.
In addition, the UK supports efforts to integrate climate change policies into international development plans.
Britain is leading by example and the Government's flagship Energy Act is based on the premise that the UK needs to decarbonise its energy sector. Everything in the Act works towards achieving this goal at the lowest possible cost to the consumer. It puts Britain firmly on track to meet the 2050 target to reduce emissions of all greenhouse gases by 80 per cent.