Bates battles for more action on climate change

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 20th Sep 2007

'Politicians must act now on climate change' - this was the reaction of Mick Bates AM on the IPCC report which claims 'greenwash' may threaten the emerging consensus on climate change.

The report states that we must capitalise on current consensus on climate change to ensure an environmentally responsible future. It claims there is a huge gap between action and words and concludes that action must be taken now before this 'greenwash' makes climate change 'yesterday's issue'.

Speaking on the day that he launches a new green agenda for Wales as chair of the Welsh Assembly Sustainabilty Committee, Mick promises a 'new greener future for Wales':

"The Sustainability Committee is a great example of action being taken as we will work hard to ensure that sustainability is embodied into all Welsh Assembly portfolios and policies.

"The Liberal Democrats have been commended for our green manifesto and our commitment to the environment. We have strong policies on climate change and we will continue to campaign for these policies to be actioned.

"Sustainability is to be achieved through good communication and partnerships. We must encourage local empowerment and urge the wider public to work with the Assembly Government and make the best use of our new powers.

"Wales is a community of communities - now is the time to take action and work as a community together to secure a fair, green future for Wales."

End / Diwedd

Notes:

Report released on 19/09/07 by the Institute for Public Policy Research: 'Warm Words II: How the climate story is evolving and the lessons we can learn for encouraging public action'. It defines 'greenwash' as 'the dressing up of inaction in fine words. It is the gap between what people say and what they do.'