Labour ministers must lead by example
January 13, 2007 8:00 AM
By Philip C James in Western Daily Press
By Philip C James in Western Daily Press
Public outcry can sway politicians. It is good that Tony Blair has bowed to pressure to admit publicly how important it is leading by personal example when talking about global warming.
Voluntary changes to our lifestyles can begin to combat climate change and cut energy bills too
Tackling climate change is like voting. Any single vote has little significance but, counted together, electors can shake up complacent politicians and topple inattentive, uncaring governments.
Carbon emitted by fossil fuels burned to meet my heating, transport and lighting needs is tiny. But, added together with those of every other consumer on the planet, it is causing dramatic changes to our atmosphere globally.
As with increases, the impact of the savings I make by driving a low-emissions hybrid car, or not leaving the television on standby, is also tiny. But the impact made if the majority of us make some voluntary adjustments to our lifestyles to reduce our carbon footprint (and, incidentally, cut our spending on energy) can be significant.
Ordinary people are ready for leadership on this issue. Are senior Labour politicians ready to deliver it? Only if we have a Government prepared to lead by example will the USA, China and other nations begin to take notice of our calls to combat harmful climate change.
Philip C James Bath
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