ENVIRONMENT: Warning on global warming

Britain's claim to be a world leader in tackling global warming may turn into hot air unless ministers devise new energy policies, government environmental experts warned yesterday. Coal, oil, and gas, which produce the greenhouse gases causing climate change, need to be taxed to reflect their threat to the environment, while non-polluting energy sources such as wind turbines and solar cells need support, said the five-member Panel on Sustainable Development, in its annual report.

The panel called for the Government to end subsidies which encourage environmental damage and to scrap remaining tax incentives for company car use. It also advocates a tax on development on green-field sites.

British Government Panel on Sustainable Development Third Report, free from the Department of the Environment. Tel: 0181-691 9191, quoting ref 96EP229.