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Campaigners Say, Every Little Helps

Posted: 08/11/2005

The Centre For Alternative Technology (CAT) has welcomed the recent announcement by Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks of the new £30 million funding package for micro wind turbines, solar panels and other microgeneration technologies. The grant scheme will run for three years and replaces the current Clear Skies and Major Photovoltaic Development programmes early in the next financial year.

CAT Information Officer Lucy Stone said, “It's fantastic that the government is planning to take a more holistic approach to reducing carbon emissions from buildings. Small scale renewable energy systems are a great way for individuals to make a positive impact on their environment. Here at CAT we have been promoting renewable energy for 30years and realize that it is vital to first reduce the amount of energy required by installing energy efficient measures.”

“The Clear Skies programme raised awareness of small scale renewables which was reflected in an increase in the number of enquiries to our free, impartial information service. However we still have a long way to go in cutting greenhouse gases if we hope to curb the effects of climate chaos.”

CAT’s Free Information Service is available to anybody looking for advice on renewable technology and can be accessed on 01654 705989 or by emailing info@cat.org.uk

Meanwhile a survey by Friends Of The Earth has found that 60% of young people, aged 8-14, are concerned that the world will suffer the effects of climate change when they are adults and more than 70% of them already take action at home or school to save energy. The results are published as part of Friends of the Earth's activity week for schools `Shout about climate change', which runs from 7-11 November 2005.

The TNS survey, commissioned by Friends of the Earth, asked if young people ever did any of the following and found that:

*73% walk or cycle instead of getting a lift
*74% make sure the TV, computer, DVD or stereo is off and not on stand-by
*82% make sure they switch the lights off when they leave a room

Pupils around the country will be taking part in activities ranging from designing posters to holding debates. FOE education co-ordinator, Vicki Felgate, said: "With so much enthusiasm being shown throughout the schools, both teachers and students are certainly demonstrating that they are not only concerned about climate change but are ready to do something about it. And as our survey shows, many young people are already taking action by saving energy at home and at school. Over one thousand five hundred teachers have requested our shout about pack and we've already had some great entries for our climate change poster competition."

For more information or a review copy of the Shout About climate change pack, a copy of the free DVD, please call Kath Stipala, Media Officer, Friends of the Earth Tel 020 7566 1649.

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