Stop climate chaos: ‘green is working’

Recent evidence shows that the UK's green economy is working. Last year, while the the economy as a whole struggled, a third of the UK's economic growth came from green business which accounts for nearly one million jobs.

Climate change is already hitting the world's poorest communities hardest, so we need to do all we can to fight it. But, despite the success of the green economy, the government is still not following up its commitments to tackle climate change with sufficient action.

In 2008, your campaigning helped secure the UK Climate Act, some the world’s toughest climate change legislation. Now, the government has two key opportunities to deliver on the promises made in this Act.

Neil Thorns, chair of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition and CAFOD’s director of advocacy and communications, said: “What’s providing vital growth in the UK, expanding confidently and enabling us to keep to the Climate Change Act? It’s the green economy, stupid! And it really is time David Cameron took it seriously.

“The fact this sector is on the rise is testament to the strength and sustainability of green jobs, and the government must not undermine that progress. And while the green economy helps shore up the UK, it is especially vital to slowing devastating climate impacts affecting families and communities in poor countries right now.”

The government's independent advisors, the Committee on Climate Change, have recommended that they commit to a carbon-free electricity sector by 2030 in the Energy Bill and include emissions from aviation and shipping in the Climate Act targets.

As part of Stop Climate Chaos, CAFOD is campaigning this autumn to urge politicians to stand by our growing green economy and listen to the Committee’s advice.

Join us outside the Treasury on 18 October to show support for the Climate Act and our green economy >