ALARMING new figures reveal that people living in a Suffolk district produce 23% more emissions that cause climate change than the national average.As part of the Liberal Democrat campaign for a green tax Andrew Houseley, parliamentary spokesman for the party, has published figures showing the carbon emissions per head of population in the district.

By John Howard

ALARMING new figures reveal that people living in a Suffolk district produce 23% more emissions that cause climate change than the national average.

As part of the Liberal Democrat campaign for a green tax Andrew Houseley, parliamentary spokesman for the party, has published figures showing the carbon emissions per head of population in the district.

He said that with a population of 87,400, mid Suffolk is emitting 1,000,500 tonnes of carbon each year on the latest official figures.

This puts the area at 11.4 tonnes of carbon per person per year, compared with a national average for the UK of 9.3 tonnes per person.

Mr Houseley said: “The global average is around 2.5 tonnes of carbon per person per year, which means the average person in mid Suffolk is generating more than four times as much as the average global inhabitant.

“We just can't keep on consuming and polluting at this rate. Carbon emissions are the key problem causing global warming.

“All of us need to try far harder to meet the national target of a 60% cut in carbon emissions by 2050 to which all major political parties have agreed.”

“Through simple things like turning down the thermostat, using energy saving light bulbs and not leaving appliances on standby we can all help to save the environment and cut our energy bills. I urge everybody to make at least one commitment to energy saving today.”

But Andrew Stringer, a Green mid Suffolk district councillor, said: “A lot of it is down to vehicle emissions, but a car is a matter of course in the countryside.

“I do not want to criticise people when it is difficult for them to do the right thing. We do not have adequate public transport, footpaths and cycle routes - that is what we should be calling for to help people have the choice not to always use the car.

“We do have to look at our CO2 emissions though, and we have been concerned about them for 25 years.”

Local Liberal Democrats are holding a green tax switch stall at Needham Lake today from 10am.

Leaflets will also be distributed within mid Suffolk offering practical advice on how to make simple lifestyle changes that will not only help to save the planet, but will also save people money.

john.howard@eadt.co.uk