Christian Aid today welcomed the unveiling of the government's proposed strategy to source 15 per cent of Britain's energy from renewables by 2020.

Eliot Whittington, Christian Aid's senior climate change policy analyst, said: 'Climate change represents an unprecedented threat to us all, and in particular to the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities in poor countries.

'We've been calling for real ambition and a response that matches the scale of this challenge. Today's report shows the government is looking hard at how it can revolutionise the UK energy supply and showing some of that ambition.'

'Tough decisions have to be made about how carbon emissions can be drastically cut. This is a good start to that process.

'Although there will be a cost to consumers, the plans deserve the widest support. The cost of doing nothing would be a great deal higher. And if we refuse to take on our share of the burden we just add to the toll on people in poor countries who are already struggling to cope with a changing climate. Doing nothing is not an option.'

The government has said the target will be met by building thousands of wind turbines, the use of biofuels, and financial incentives to persuade homeowners to fit roof top solar panels.

Christian Aid remains concerned, however, that renewables projects in developing countries - funded through a form of carbon offsets - may also be used to help meet the target.

Christian Aid's concern over carbon off-setting is based on its view that countries such as the UK, where major industrial CO2 emissions first began, must help finance clean development in poorer countries on top, not instead, of emission cuts at home.

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For more press information, please contact Andrew Hogg on 0207 523 2058/ 07872 350534

Notes to Editors:

1.Christian Aid works in some of the world's poorest communities in more than 50 countries. We act where the need is greatest, regardless of religion, helping people build the life they deserve.

2.Christian Aid supports I Count, the UK's largest campaign on climate change involving over 60 organisations and a supporter base of 4 million plus. I Count is showing the