Martin: The BBC reports that UK Government advisers have recommended a 20% cut in CO2 emissions by 2020. I am undecided on whether CO2 is causing climate change. I accept that the climate is changing but I am not convinced either way whether our emissions of CO2 are making a difference or not. I do think that cuts to CO2 emissions are a great idea if they are achieved by burning less fossil fuels. Using less fuel often leads to cost savings, until the fuel price goes up. Less reliance on fossil fuels, especially oil means less chance of global conflicts over them as they run out. Using less of a finite resource means it will last longer too. Most of all, I hope that cuts like these will fuel (pun intended) the development or advanced technological solutions like electric cars and cleaner nuclear power. What do you reckon to government CO2 targets, force for good regardless of intentions or propaganda?
Thomas: I think that as usual the government has got the wrong end of the stick and it’s going to use it to punish the tax payer! CO2 may or may not be the cause of climate change, which in turn may or may not exist, however I cannot argue that less reliance on fossil fuels would only be a good thing. It’s all well and good sitting in an office in Westminster recommending a cut in CO2 but that’s not going to magic a Prius onto my drive or a solar panel on my roof. How about instead of installing a carbon ‘budget’, we start to give benefits such as tax breaks and subsidies to companies and individuals who are prepared to take a risk on some of the developing cleaner technologies? A bit more carrot and a bit less stick, I feel.
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