RenewableUK: Unstoppable Momentum for Clean Energy Created Globally

RenewableUK says comments by Prince Charles to be aired at tomorrow’s UN Climate Summit in New York, following massive turnouts at this weekend’s People’s Climate Marches in cities around the world, demonstrate comprehensive global support for renewable energy.

In a video to be shown at the UN summit on Tuesday, Prince Charles will call for a “vast scaling up” of renewable energy because “the battle against climate change is surely the most defining and pivotal challenge of our times”.

Tellingly, the Prince of Wales will warn specifically that “we cannot meet the climate change challenge unless business and government actively work together. More and more businesses are supporting the transformative goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions well before the end of the century. Taking action on climate change is neither inherently bad for business nor against economic interests – in fact it is the only rational choice”.

About 40,000 people took part in the People’s Climate March in London, including many holding placards calling for “100% clean energy”. Clean electricity generated by onshore and offshore wind in the UK currently offsets more than eleven and a half million tonnes of carbon emissions every year. In New York, turnout for the march exceeded 300,000.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive, Maria McCaffery, said: “People power is creating an unstoppable momentum for us to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. The massive level of support at the People’s Climate Marches proves this.

“Politicians in Westminster would do well to take notice with just eight months to go before the next General Election. Anti-renewable energy policies are way out of step with public opinion.

“This is a message which has royal endorsement too. Prince Charles’s comments to the UN Climate Summit amount to a trenchant riposte to those who are still trying to spin yarns about the cost of supporting clean energy, as the business case for renewables is proven.

“Prince Charles gets it. The people get it. When will all of our elected representatives at Westminster start to get it too?

“Wind is making a substantial contribution to the UK’s energy mix, providing more than half of our renewable generation, leading to a corresponding drop in the use of coal and gas. The UK’s carbon dioxide emissions fell between 2012 and 2013 – and the key factor driving the change was the switch away from fossil fuels.” 

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