We were delighted to see the intervention of one of the world’s top environmental scientists into the debate over UK energy policy yesterday.
Professor Jacqueline McGlade, previously the Executive Director at the European Environment Agency, has a distinguished track record of scientific research, and a deep understanding of the implication of policy. Her current role of Chief Scientist at UNEP gives her a global view on environmental issues, and heightens the importance of her intervention into UK policy.
She is quoted by the BBC as saying:
“What I’m seeing worldwide is a move very much towards investment in renewable energy. To counterbalance that, you see the withdrawal of subsidies and tax breaks for fossil fuels.
“What’s disappointing is when we see countries such as the United Kingdom that have really been in the lead in terms of getting their renewable energy up and going — we see subsidies being withdrawn and the fossil fuel industry being enhanced.”
“It’s a very serious signal — a very perverse signal that we do not want to create.”
Speaking about the intervention, David Clubb said:
“I’ve had the great pleasure to work with Jacquie in my previous role at the European Environment Agency, and the fact that such an eminent and respected figure has chosen to speak so strongly under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme is a colossal indictment of the UK Government’s energy policy shambles.
“The UK Government is heading at top speed in a direction opposed to logic, economics, science, sustainability and the public good. We join the chorus of voices from across civil society and the business community in calling for an urgent review of the current policy direction.”