UK: Green policies vital even when economy slows

David Cameron will today promise that he will not abandon his commitment to green policies in the light of the global economic downturn.

In a speech to environmentalists, the Tory leader will argue that those who believe that green policies such as high emissions targets are unaffordable in current economic conditions have “got it exactly wrong”.

He will say: “The truth is: it’s not that we can’t afford to go green, it’s that we can’t afford not to go green.

“When oil is moving towards $140 a barrel, when families are being hit hard every time they pay their gas bill, fill up their cars or do the weekly shop, are you telling me we shouldn’t – we can’t – go green? We’ve got to. The era of cheap oil is well and truly over.”

Guardian