Online tool claims carbon cuts and lifestyle gains are compatible

Friends of the Earth press release          

GLOBAL CALCULATOR SHOWS WORLD CAN CUT CARBON EMISSIONS AND LIVE WELL - FRIENDS OF THE EARTH COMMENT

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Image by University of Salford Press Office

The Global Calculator tool was developed in a project led by the UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Commenting on the Global Calculator, Mike Childs, Head of Policy at Friends of the Earth, which helped test the tool, said: 
 
“The need for urgent action to avoid dangerous climate change is well accepted, but the steps we should take are often hotly contested.
 
“This excellent tool enables everyone to play the role of world leader and make decisions on the action we should take in key areas like energy, manufacturing and farming. 
 
“It shows we can still avoid the world warming by much less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels – all we need is the will to act.
 
“With crucial climate talks due in Paris later this year, this calculator demonstrates to our political leaders that a cleaner, safer and fairer future is possible.”
 
ENDS

Notes: 

1. Cutting carbon emissions to limit global temperatures to a 2°C rise can be achieved while improving living standards, a new online tool shows. The world can eat well, travel more, live in more comfortable homes, and meet international carbon reduction commitments according to the Global Calculator tool, a project led by the UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change and co-funded by Climate-KIC. Built in collaboration with a number of international organisations from US, China, India and Europe, the calculator is an interactive tool for businesses, NGOs and governments to consider the options for cutting carbon emissions and the trade-offs for energy and land use to 2050. Friends of the Earth was asked by DECC to test the tool and develop an example pathway ahead of its launch. Our pathway is at http://tool.globalcalculator.org/foe
2. For more than 40 years we’ve seen that the wellbeing of people and planet go hand in hand – and it’s been the inspiration for our campaigns. Together with thousands of people like you we’ve secured safer food and water, defended wildlife and natural habitats, championed the move to clean energy and acted to keep our climate stable. Be a Friend of the Earth – see things differently. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk