Annette Brooke MP's New Year's resolution to make climate change personal

6.00.00pm GMT Thu 26th Jan 2006

Annette Brooke MP has pledged to reduce her personal carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 25% over the next five years. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Annette Brooke is joining 40 other MPs who have made a personal commitment to put words into action by making the cuts in the emissions over which they have personal control. The '25/5 Personal Carbon Emissions Challenge' was launched in July, 2005 by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Climate Change.

Annette Brooke said "The evidence that climate change is happening is overwhelming - we are witnessing some startling effects already, such as the thinning of the polar ice caps, the melting of permafrost, the greater incidence of extreme weather events and warmer summers. Whilst I welcome any progress towards a comprehensive international approach to solve the problem, I believe individuals can also begin to address the issue straightaway, and if they do so in large numbers that will send a powerful signal to politicians to speed up the international and national responses to the challenge of global warming."

Annette Brooke continued: "In my own life I try hard to be environmentally conscious. I drive a small, fuel efficient car, use energy efficient light bulbs and am looking into changing my energy supplier to one which uses renewable sources. I also recycle glass, paper and plastics and hope to start a compost heap.

"In the constituency and Westminster offices, my staff and I make every effort to remember to turn off our computer monitors, which can waste a large amount of energy if left on overnight.

"By doing little things, like only boiling enough water for the drinks you need, you really can make a difference in your homes and offices to combat climate change."

The Chair of the All Party Climate Change Group, Colin Challen MP said "I welcome Annette Brooke's commitment to tackling this issue. MPs are in a powerful position to demonstrate how we can reduce our energy consumption without pain.

"Her clear determination to address the problem strengthens the hand of all those who have to convince others of the urgent necessity to reach a deal on climate change."

ENDS