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Report warns of disaster for Island

image of smoke stacksA report written and researched by Dr. Caroline Lucas (Green Party Member of the European Parliament for South East England) and by Dr. Paul Williams (Atmospheric Physics Department, Oxford University) has warned that higher sea levels caused by global warming could result in the loss of 110 sq. km from the land mass of the Isle of Wight by 2080. The authors warn that "Lives, livelihoods, homes and businesses would have to either relocate or perish."

The report argues that the worst effects of climate change can still be avoided, if the following measures are taken by local authorities and individuals.

Recommendations

• The pressure on the South East to be the economic superpower for the whole of the country should be lifted. Recently-announced plans to build 200,000 new houses in the region, together with roads and facilities, will do nothing to increase the region’s sustainability. Some of the heat of the economic growth of the South East
should be redirected to other UK regions.

• All energy users should be encouraged to switch to green (carbon-free) electricity from renewable sources, now available via the national grid.

• Local Authorities should reduce the need to travel, and impose lower road traffic speeds. Mile for mile, doing 50 mph emits 25 per cent less than doing 70 mph.

• The Government recently considered taxing people who live in flood risk areas, to cover the costs of flood defence. Such a scheme is unfair and should be replaced
with an ‘eco-tax’ on fossil fuels, so that it is the person responsible for the emissions who pays for the damage they cause.

• Local Authorities should encourage the consumption of locally-grown food, by supporting vegetable box delivery schemes run by local farmers, and increasing
allotment provisions. Why do we import ‘high air mile’ food into the South East if it could easily be grown here?

• The South East is home to a number of large airports, and air travel is the most highly-emitting form of transport. Aviation fuel should be taxed at the same rate
as other fuels. Instead, it is completely untaxed, representing a subsidy of £182.45 per year to the aviation industry from every child, woman and man in the UK.

• Local Authorities should implement strategies to reduce waste, and also to increase recycling and composting rates.

• Children should be taught about global warming, empowering them to make informed consumption and lifestyle decisions.