It is estimated that half of all greenhouse gas emissions can be influenced by local authorities through planning decisions and household building requirements. The challenge is to gather the range of options available to local governments and disseminate the information widely. Consumer and environment groups are in an excellent position to take part in this process, since they are regarded as credible sources of information. The challenge we face collectively is enormous, but so too is our opportunity to respond. Consumers in industrialised countries, informed by consumer organisations, must consume less energy from non-renewable sources.
Energy conservation is at the top of the list of consumer action.
If sufficient consumer clout is exercised, the market will receive the message that demand for clean energy is growing and that there are economic incentives to meet this demand. Consumers and their advocates should also put pressure on governments to deliver a range of clean energy policies, from carbon taxation and more spending on public transport to reduced subsidies for dirty energy and urban sprawl. Finally, consumer groups need to provide energy conservation advice, including comparative energy information on consumer products. Otherwise it may soon be too late for the planet.