On Sunday, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published a new report which states that the worst effects of climate change can be avoided if we take action now.

However, the report goes on to say that delaying the necessary changes to tackle climate change will significantly add to the costs of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and increasing investment in clean, renewable energy.

Youba Sokona, a scientist from Mali, one of the three leaders of the report, made the clear distinction between the role of scientists and politicians in tackling climate change. He said the report is “telling truth to power”. The scientists, he said, are the mapmakers while the powerful are the navigators. The scientists have now drawn the map and the question now is whether the powerful want to listen.

The Green Party is the only political party in the UK in favour of an EU renewable energy target and the only party to demand an immediate halt to fracking for shale gas and oil in the UK.

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion said:

“This report is a wake-up call for politicians and business leaders. The scientists have clearly put ball in our court by telling us that if we act now and invest in clean, renewable energy, we can tackle climate change.

“Globally, we have the capacity and ability to tackle climate change, now it is down to politicians to show that they have the vision and the willpower to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in clean, green energy supplies.”

“The release of the IPCC report coincides with news that the Conservative Party wants to cave in to its climate-denying backbench fringe by sabotaging the growth of renewable wind power. This shows just how out of touch they are with the reality of what is needed, and the urgent need for a green alternative.”

“UK politicians from all parties need to respond positively to this report by committing to a phase out of fossil fuels and shifting their priorities towards the rapid deployment of clean renewable heat and power, and energy conservation and efficiency.

Yet just a few weeks ago, the Chancellor gave yet more tax breaks to oil and gas companies, boasting that the Government intends to get “every last drop” of oil from the North Sea.

“The global leaders’ summit in September will be crucial step on the way to an international climate agreement. If the Government is serious about preventing catastrophic climate change, it should lead by example by setting an ambitious renewable target and going all out for a zero carbon energy system.”