Joan Ruddock's speech - Shrinking the Footprint Conference

Introductions

I would like to start by thanking Bishop Richard for inviting me and to congratulate the Church of England on introducing the Shrinking the Footprint initiative to reduce their carbon emissions and help tackle climate change.

Many still see climate change as something that will happen in the future. Events like this highlight the importance of raising awareness and in helping us to understand that it is happening now and that action needs to be taken now.

Let me begin with the UK perspective of the climate negotiations and our hopes for a new global climate deal in Copenhagen in December.

Copenhagen Deal

These negotiations are vital. Climate change can only be solved by collective international action. The UNFCCC framework is our ultimate basis for moving forward which is why it is imperative that we reach an ambitious global deal in Copenhagen.

The science is clear. Unless we reach global agreement to limit global warming to a minimum of 2 degrees above pre industrial levels, we risk catastrophic consequences. Emissions must peak by 2020 and reduce by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels, to give us even a 50:50 chance of that temperature rise limit.

To achieve this, a deal in Copenhagen must include:

• Major reductions from developed countries

• A substantial deviation from business as usual from developing countries

• And a significantly increased and reliable flow of finance for adaptation and mitigation for developing countries.

We are under no illusions about the size of the task that we face. International negotiations are complex and developed countries will need to show strong leadership.

We need to move away from the ‘I will if you will' attitude to the ‘I have moved... now will you?'

The UK recognises the need to send a strong signal of our own readiness to lead on our reducing emissions. Which is why we have passed into law the climate change act which binds us to an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and, critically, a 34% reduction by 2020; just 11 years from now. And a further commitment to raise the 2020 level even more if there is a global deal at Copenhagen.

This is the world's first long-term legally binding framework to cut emissions, adapt to climate change and construct the path to a low carbon economy.

But quite rightly people will also look to the EU for leadership.

Which is why EU leaders agreed measures to deliver a unilateral commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 and a clear commitment to increase this target to 30% if an international agreement were achieved. This represents a significant step forward in climate policy and has put the EU on the path to becoming the world's first low carbon economy.

International

Further afield progress is also being made. Most notably in the US where President Obama has made a commitment to lead at the negotiating table on climate change. A commitment which was reiterated at the recent UNFCCC intercessional in Bonn.

He also initiated the Major Economies Forum. Which is an important space for the world's 16 largest economies, covering some 80% of emissions to discuss their contribution to a global deal.

These considerable advances have given new momentum to the process and have seen positive reactions from the developing world. But we must not let up. As I said at the start, this is a vital year of negotiations and we must continue to show the continued resolve and commitment to the cause if we are to meet our goals in December and achieve an ambitious deal.

Effects on poorest countries

But whatever we do we know that climate change is already underway. The predictions of the climate scientists are coming true - the sea level rises, the global temperature rises, and the erratic weather patterns. Even if all emissions were stopped today impacts would continue to be felt by all countries for years to come. But none more so than the poorest and most vulnerable countries. Whilst climate change will affect all countries it is the most vulnerable that will be hit hardest, even though they are least responsible.

Impacts on the environment such as increases in the number and severity of droughts, floods and storms. Increase in coastal flooding as sea levels rise, and secondary impacts on human wellbeing such as increased hunger and spread of disease.

All this upon countries that have contributed little or nothing to climate change. It is here that there must be significant effort to help vulnerable countries adapt, grow and develop sustainably.

Addressing adaptation

The UK along with our EU and other developed country partners recognise the responsibilities of the richer countries in this process. A post 2012 deal will have to deliver massively scaled up financial flows to aid sustainable low carbon development in developing countries. In addition to the increase in the magnitude of financial flows, it will be critical to ensure that the future framework brings developed and developing countries together in partnership.

Addressing adaptation in these countries must be a priority and part of any fair and just Copenhagen deal.

But what of those who say climate change is too financially complex to solve during this economic crisis. Those who say times are too hard, we can't act now.

Financial Crisis - Why we should still act

Well yes, we recognise that these are very difficult times for the world economy (including the UK and the EU). The past year has seen two unexpected and unprecedented shocks- the worst credit crunch since the 30's and the surge and volatility of food and energy prices.

And yes, tackling climate change in this environment is a challenge.

But in every challenge lies opportunity.

Opportunity, to address both climate change and energy whilst stimulating our economies

Opportunity, to bring in the foundations of a global low carbon infrastructure

Opportunity, to move towards a world where vulnerable countries are not made to suffer by the price of oil and food.

Many have blamed the financial crisis on a failure to respond to warning signs. The evidence of an even greater threat, climate change, has become increasing clear for years and we must act on it.

This is why we will keep our resolve, keep on the road to Copenhagen and re affirm our commitment to seeking an ambitious, just and fair deal.

Role of HMG

2009 is not only a key year for climate negotiations; it is also a key year for us to re-affirm our commitment to the cause. In the UK our commitment to tackling climate change and showing leadership domestically and internationally can be demonstrated by the Prime Ministers decision to set up the new Department of Energy and Climate Change in which I am very proud to be the Minister of State. It is also reflected in fact that many departments across government are working in tandem to achieve our shared goals.

But we must remember climate change is not just an issue for politicians or green groups. It affects all of us. It is about our health, our society, our economy, and our security. It is about the future of our planet and really does concern every single one of us.

Mobilisation

It is the challenge of our generation and we will all need to be advocates making the case for a truly ambitious deal in Copenhagen.

And we are fortunate. In the UK we have NGOs, business and wider civil society that are amongst the world leaders on demonstrating and promoting action on climate change and who will play a vital role in mobilising action in the lead up to Copenhagen.

Role of faith groups

Faith groups have a major role both domestically and internationally in raising awareness of climate change and in encouraging individuals to change their own behaviour. The ‘Shrinking the Footprint' model presents an opportunity for faith groups of all denominations to come together and share best practice to reduce emissions and take the low carbon path.

Your leadership will undoubtedly inspire individuals, families and communities across the world to demonstrate solidarity and take action on climate change. As the UK Government, we are keen to work with all faith groups, not only to help achieve a positive outcome in Copenhagen but to help change lifestyles for good.

Back in April the Secretary of State Ed Miliband attended the Launch of the Carbon Fast along with Bishop Richard and Bishop James of Liverpool. This was a prime example of what can be achieved when communities pull together. What struck me was that for the first time black majority churches who do not observe lent signed up to the fast as they believe in the power of uniting for the greater cause. This is a powerful message and what Shrinking the Footprint can achieve on a larger scale.

Martin Luther King Jr once famously said "Life's most persistent and urgent question is ‘what are you doing for others?'". Climate change needs a global solution and by taking part in initiatives such as ‘Shrinking the Footprint' and making small changes in your everyday life, you are actively contributing to saving lives in vulnerable countries.

Choosing a low carbon path will not just help distant countries and future generations. It will save our own countryside and coastal towns. And this is the year more than any other to make that choice.

I believe that we can achieve a global agreement but success, if it comes, will not just be because governments want it but because citizens demand it. It will happen because people around the world make it happen.

The eyes of the world will be on us in Copenhagen. Let us say that together in 2009 we made a difference.

Thank you.

(13/06/2009)