Renewable energy ''can help secure fuel supplies''

Written by Andrew Marshall.

Focusing on carbon reduction could offer people health benefits while helping to secure fuel supplies, according to one expert.

Following the publication of a Lancet Series on Health and Climate Change study, Mike Childs of the environmental organisation Friends of the Earth suggests that farmers should be encouraged to adopt low carbon practices.

Mr Childs, who acts as the organisation''s head of climate change, noted that while ''cutting carbon emissions through backing renewables and investing in energy efficiency will increase fuel security'', the Lancet findings also suggest that low carbon measures could tackle health conditions.

He went on to note the importance of the forthcoming discussions about climate change in Copenhagen, which are due to take place next month.

Meanwhile, the government is also aiming to reduce the carbon emissions produced by the country''s housing sector, with housing minister John Healey recently announcing plans to introduce green property standards.