Either we learn to meet our energy needs from sustainable sources, or we face disaster . . . That was the shock message delivered by Tim German, Director of the Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership, to an audience in Tavistock Town Hall last week. Mr German, who is an authority on sustainable energy, was guest speaker at a meeting organised by the Tamar branch of the European Movement. He described successful projects for the production of renewable energy in other European countries, and showed what we in Britain could learn from them. He demonstrated that Britain's record is not nearly as good as most of us believe. Of all the 27 countries in the European Union, only Malta produces a lower proportion of its energy from renewable sources. Mr German said: 'If we are to reduce our emission of greenhouse gases, the first step has to be the reduction of energy consumption. This is where everyone can play a part, starting in their homes.' The meeting was chaired by Graham Facks-Martin, leader of North Cornwall District, who said: 'At the far South West of England, Devon and Cornwall are blessed with wind, waves and sun. We must learn to make use of our natural advantages.'
