The Green Party has responded to a report published last week which reveals Europe is warming at a faster pace than the global average and faces multiple climate hazards.
The European Environment Agency report is the most comprehensive study of Europe’s vulnerability to climate change available. It predicts Atlantic-facing countries will face heavier rainfalls, increased flood risk and more severe storm damage.
Green District Councillor Simon Pickering and Chair of Stroud District Council’s Environment Committee said:
“Stroud District Council is taking an international lead at a local level in becoming the First Carbon Neutral Council in Europe through generating energy from renewable sources, cutting it’s own energy use and helping over 20,000 householders reduce their energy demand through energy efficient measures. Our innovative Natural Flood Management project is helping adapt the district to the extremes of weather.” He added: “We are demonstrating that moving to a low carbon future and developing natural resilience measures is good for jobs, the economy and the security of future generations.”
These initiatives are possible because Stroud is run by a co-operative alliance between Green, Labour and Liberal Democratic Parties – we are making things happen.
Simon went on to say:
“President Trump and his cronies are dragging America back into the past. I feel really sorry for the majority of Americans whose futures are being put at risk by President Trump, starting his 2020 election campaign now, without thinking about the real people of the world, their jobs and hopes for the future.”
Jonathan Bartley, National Green Party co-leader, said:
“The EEA report makes for terrifying reading, but it’s also an opportunity for Europe to develop effective strategies for tackling greenhouse gas emissions and for Britain to step up and lead the way on transitioning to a zero carbon economy.”