§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to stimulate public awareness of the relationship between carbon 97WA dioxide emissions and climate change and of the dangers inherent in such a change. [HL4646]
§ Lord WhittyThe Government fully recognise the importance of informing people about climate change, what its causes and its effects could be, and the action they could take to help reduce emissions. We are working in partnership with a wide range of organisations on a number of different initiatives that are targeted at householders, the travelling public, businesses, local government and children.
We believe that action by individuals is particularly important. We are therefore funding a major publicity campaign called "Are you doing your bit?" which informs people about the impact of their individual and collective actions. This £25 million, multi-media campaign focuses on how small changes in people's everyday actions can have financial and environmental benefits, and can make a difference. Public reaction to the campaign has been very positive.
The Energy Saving Trust's "energy efficiency" campaign, funded by the Government, aims to increase the take-up of energy efficient products and services by raising awareness of the financial benefits of being energy efficient, and by ensuring that products and services are of a high quality and are easily identifiable as being energy efficient. EU Energy Labels on a growing number of everyday appliances and lightbulbs, and shortly on cars, provide a constant reminder to consumers of the importance of the issue.
98WAWe are improving awareness of the benefits of taking action among businesses and local government through policies such as promoting environmental reporting; the Making a Corporate Commitment scheme; disseminating independent authoritative information and advice on energy efficiency best practice; travel plans and greening company car fleets; and working with local government associations on a number of initiatives that should raise awareness at the highest levels.
We are addressing the need to educate and inform children and young people about climate change, how it is caused, what its effects might be, and what they can do to help. We have a website aimed at children and young people under 16, and we have recently published an information and activity pack for children between 7–11. The revised National Curriculum also now includes a new subject of citizenship education which makes clear reference to environmental issues.
The work of the government-sponsored UK Climate Impacts Programme is helping to raise both institutional and public awareness of the effects that climate change might have on the UK. Studies are being funded by a range of groups to help them assess their vulnerability to climate change and plan appropriate responses. The Government are also funding an extensive amount of research on the science and impacts of climate change which we make freely available to the general public.