The prime minister must remember the recent extreme weather in the UK when discussing climate targets this week, a climate change coalition has warned.
Prime Minister David Cameron and other EU leaders should keep in mind the extreme weather which hit parts of the UK earlier this year when discussing EU climate targets this week.
The flooding that hit parts of the UK, including Dumfries and Galloway and other areas of Scotland, highlights the need for strong targets according to the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition.
David Cameron will discuss new EU climate targets for 2030 at a European Council meeting of government leaders tomorrow (Thursday 20 March).
Climate change could push up winter rainfall in Scotland by as much as 15% or more by 2050, leading to increased risk of flooding.
Tom Ballantine, chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said: "Scotland has just had its wettest winter on record. Climate change could push up winter rainfall in Scotland by as much as 15% or more by 2050, leading to increased risk of flooding. People in Dumfries and Galloway and other areas of the UK know about the terrible impact that has on families, homes and businesses.
"But the problems will be even bigger for people in South Asia and other areas of the globe. David Cameron and other politicians need to remember the casualties of climate change, and put in place strong climate laws that help protect people now and in the future."
Stop Climate Chaos coalition has launched an email campaign asking people to write to David Cameron to encourage him to back strong targets.
The coalition is urging the European Council to look at the example set by Scotland's Climate Change Act, which has legally-binding targets of a cut in carbon emissions by 42% on 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
However, the European Commission has recommended a cut in carbon emissions of just 40% on 1990 levels by 2030.
Tom Ballantine said: "EU climate policy is important. It will shape Europe's greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy development until 2030.
“If our targets are strong, we will create an example for other countries around the world. Our prime minister must push hard for targets that will have a real impact on climate change.”
