The Big Climate Connection lobby in Cardiff South and Penarth

Sat 20th Nov 10 — Chris

Alun Michael MP and constituents holding a banner saying climate.

Alun Michael MP being lobbied by his constituents during the Big Climate Connection. Photo: Julian Rosser, Cardiff Friends of the Earth.

The Big Climate Connection lobby in Cardiff South and Penarth happened on Friday 19 November 2010. Six constituents met with Alun Michael MP and we had a very productive discussion. Alun is already aware of the concerns around climate change and has been involved in local projects to help people reduce their carbon emissions. He also supports using a mix of energy sources as well as cleaning up the power sector.

We discussed the outcomes of Copenhagen, and the need for the UK Government to take a tough stance at the Climate talks in Cancun in December 2010. He strongly supported the idea of a one climate fund to help developing countries to adapt to climate change. He also agreed that these funds should be grants and not loans. He also said he supported measures to generate funds from schemes aiming to cut emissions from aviation and shipping, and a financial transaction tax.

Alun Michael said, “I am glad my constituents took the time to come and meet me on such an important issue. I will be writing to the Prime Minister and Chris Huhne calling for positive and leadership action from the UK Government at Cancun. As someone who is involved in and concerned about civil society I am fully aware of the impact climate change will have on poor people, both here and abroad."

"Gordon Brown did provide leadership on climate change and international development and was deeply respected by world leaders as a consequence. We can’t afford to lose that momentum. Under the last government the UK became the world’s first to pass a Climate Act to tackle our emissions and the coalition government needs to ensure that we continue to lead the way. We need to help other countries adapt to climate change, and we also need to do more at home, such as increasing our energy efficiency.”

We agreed we would meet again in a few months to assess progress and work out what we need to do next.