As I'm sure many of you are already aware, the Paris climate change conference in December resulted in a big win for tackling climate change!

195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal.

Governments agreed to limit the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to aim to limit the increase to  1.5°C. You can read the details of the agreement on the European Commission website.

We are keen to find out how the government plans to achieve these targets and have written to Mel Stride asking him to clarify this. The text of the letter was as follows:

Dear Mel

Sustainable Crediton welcomes the aspirations in the recent agreement on Climate Change from the Paris talks. Please would you ask ministers the following questions on our behalf

• When will the Government ratify the Paris agreement?

• What policies will the government put in place in order for UK to play its part in achieving the necessary limit to a temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius or less specified in the agreement?

• Will current policies be reviewed in the light of the agreement and the sentiments expressed by our Government representatives in Paris?

 We don't understand how present Government policies can possibly achieve the required reduction in emissions by UK. Surely energy conservation, renewable energy and energy storage should be the priorities. Fracking and nuclear energy [with its heavy use of concrete and non-renewable uranium] will only make matters worse, as will the encouragement of travel by car and plane, 'food miles' and industrial farming.

 The Prime Minister has acknowledged the seriousness of the threat and the need to take urgent action. Will he and his ministers now look at all Government policies, their likely effect on greenhouse gas emissions and consequent effect on the UK population, as seen in the recent unprecedented weather events?

 We ask again 'How is the Government to fulfil the promises made in Paris?' and await your reply.

Mel has confirmed that he is making enquiries with the Department for Energy & Climate Change. We have not yet received further details but will post his response as soon as we do!