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Ministers sign up to environment declaration

   

NEWS RELEASE

Ref: 138/09
Date: 17 June 2009

The Third Sector Declaration on Climate Change has been signed by Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies and Climate Change Minister Joan Ruddock.

The Declaration was developed as part of the Defra-funded ‘Every Action Counts’ programme launched in June 2007, and acknowledges the crucial role of the third sector in forming a better understanding of the link between social justice and action on climate change.

Huw Irranca-Davies said:

“No matter how big or small, they are, third sector organisations have shown that they have a big voice and a big impact. I’m pleased to have signed this declaration for Defra, and throw the department’s support behind this effort.”

After signing the Declaration, ministers joined a meeting of the Third Sector task force, which is developing an action plan for wider third sector participation and to identify how Government and the third sector can best work together and contribute their expertise, experience and the ability to reach people.

The 16 members of the task force met for the first time in May and are now working to produce a final report in October.

Stephen Hale, Director of Green Alliance and chair of the Third Sector task force said:

“Today is another important step in the rapid spread of action on climate change across the third sector. More and more organisations are joining the diverse movement that we need to shape a positive low-carbon future. The task force and the third sector declaration are both important contributions to this.”

The Declaration currently has 227 signatories, each of whom has made a public statement about their commitment to tackling climate change and creating a plan for change.

The re-launch and additional signatories of the Declaration co-incides with a review report of the Declaration to date.

Notes to editors

1.   Green Alliance and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) are acting as the secretariat for the task force.

2.   For pictures please contact Oliver Jackson – Oliver.Jackson@defra.gsi.gov.uk or 0207 238 1822.

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Page published: 17 June 2009