Oakham Climate Change Meeting with Norman Baker

8.30.00am GMT Thu 17th Nov 2005

"We are fast approaching the crucial tipping point where, if we don't cut our greenhouse gas emissions, the effects will be irreversible." - Norman Baker MP

Norman Baker (LibDem Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment )spoke to a crowded hall at a public meeting on November 16th 2005. The meeting was chaired by Grahame Hudson the 2005 Liberal Democrat candidate for Rutland & Melton.

REDUCTION IN CARBON EMISSIONS IS ESSENTIAL NOW IF THE HUMAN RACE IS TO SURVIVE

The public discussion at the Congregational Church Hall considered the science of climate change and the necessary actions to reverse the situation (if it's not too late already).

There is scientific consensus that mankind's misuse of fossil fuels and the environment is causing changes in both global and local climate due to excessive emissions of carbon dioxide and other climate changing gases.

Speakers were -

• Norman Baker MP (Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment )

GDP has risen but happiness hasn't. We cannot equate wealth with contentment. If we go on living as though there is no tomorrow then maybe there will not be.

Climate change is the biggest challenge of our age and is linked to other issues such as poverty in the world and migration.

The number of disasters such as earthquakes and floods in the world and their severity is increasing.

Leaders are concerned that economies might be damaged by taking measures but this is NOT THE CASE.

Most Kyoto participants have not met their targets. Some developing countries won't take part because the US won't. We need to progress towards the next step with the US on board and developing countries treated fairly.

Tony Blair has helped to some extent but could make a diplomatic error by making concessions to the US. He is also doing little about air travel. And nuclear power is not the answer to the need to reduce carbons.

What can we do? There are three main areas on which to focus - energy, transport and housing.

• Prof John Twidell (Editor - Wind Engineering)

John discussed the science of climate change. The greenhouse effect causes climate change but global warming is not a helpful term as some places (including the UK if the Gulf Stream alters) will be colder.

There are two types of CO2 - those that give a balance from plants and those released by burning fossil fuels. It is the latter which are causing the problems.

And the problems are serious. Why is it that scientists are believed over Asian flu and how to build bridges and aeroplanes yet not on climate change?

See website www.ipcc.ch

• Colleen Murphy (Speaker on developing world issues)

Colleen discussed her research with regard to Kyoto and what mechanisms are being put into operation. She feels optimistic to some extent.

Clean development mechanisms, helping developing countries with wind farm building and other renewables and trading in carbon credits are all on the agenda.

She also discussed her work in Bhutan a peaceful mountainous country where most people live happily despite very green policies and extremely low use of carbons.

Other developing countries are looking to us to show leadership.

Please send your ideas about what we can do to LDRutlandWeb@aol.com