The action that is needed to reduce our CO2 emissions - increasing energy efficiency, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and being at the cutting edge of new technologies in the energy industry - is precisely the same action that is needed to prevent the power cuts the Government is predicting by 2017 and to ensure that Britain's consumers and businesses are protected against the consequences of volatile and rising oil prices into the future.
Whatever the doubts some may have about man's impact on CO2 emissions, at Copenhagen, we must insist that any deal is a rigorous one - one that binds the world in a common commitment to keep the rise in global temperatures to below two degrees centigrade; one that finds an international mechanism to help people in the world's poorest countries protect themselves against future floods and famine; and one that stops the destruction of the rainforest - the green lungs of the planet.
It will be the job of the next British Government to deliver domestic priorities to help meet targets to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, without putting undue pressure on families and businesses.
Conservatives recognise the vital importance at this stage in having a range of funded policies to meet domestic fossil fuel reduction targets, such as giving each household the right to have home energy efficiency works of up to £6,500 in value with the costs paid out of the savings made. This will help open up new markets in energy efficiency and create skilled jobs, while cutting carbon emissions and saving families money.
Copenhagen needs to succeed.
