One million people turn to ACT ON CO2 calculator

World Environment Day: The ACT ON CO2 calculator - which helps people to work out and reduce their carbon footprint - has received its one millionth unique visitor, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced today.

The calculator, which was launched last Summer, enables people to reliably calculate their carbon footprint from home energy, appliances and transport. It then develops a personalised action plan for users, with practical steps they can take to cut their emissions.

Climate Change Minister, Joan Ruddock, said: "A significant part of the fight against climate change is about the action we can take as individuals. On World Environment Day it is really encouraging that so many people are deciding to Act on CO2 to help the environment. Our calculator, www.direct.gov.uk/actonco2, has received a million visitors in a year."

Joan Ruddock who will today attend the Birmingham City Council/Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment () Climate Change Festival, added, "I am always impressed at the imaginative and intelligent ways that people engage with the reality of climate change, as evidenced by some of the wonderful work we can see at this festival in Birmingham, where people of all ages and backgrounds are thinking about the future of their homes and their city and how they can work together as a community."

Ms Ruddock will be speaking as part of the launch of Birmingham's new climate change strategy and will praise the City's ambitious targets to become a truly low carbon city.

"Cities like Birmingham that are taking action now to reduce their carbon emissions and are starting to adapt to a changing climate are already becoming better places in which to live and work. Cities with a clear vision can inspire and motivate individuals and businesses to reduce their own carbon emissions."

Environment Minister, Phil Woolas, said young people had a key role in tackling climate change.

Mr Woolas, who will today be attending Microsoft's 'Imagine Cup' awards in London, which promotes the work of young programmers and this year focuses on creating a sustainable environment, said: "Technical innovation is the key to tackling climate change, and Britain has the talent and the vision to provide that innovation.

"We know that in the near future, the strongest economies will be low carbon economies. By facing these challenges head on, not only will we be able to help fight climate change in the UK, but we will be providing leadership and innovation, enabling millions of people around the world to fight climate change in their own lives."