Johnny Borrell, lead singer of Razorlight gave a Vectrix electric scooter a run around as part of a Friend’s of the Earth eco trip around London to highlight the solutions to climate change. The Razorlight front man is supporting The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth’s climate campaign for a strong climate change law. A strong law would ensure climate solutions – such as the electric vehicles - flourish.
The first of its kind in the world, the high performance Vectrix scooter offers a more climate friendly way to travel. A third of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from transport and low carbon vehicles such as the Vectrix can help reduce this. The bike is emissions free when charged by electricity generated from renewable sources, such wind power.
The bike has a top speed of 62 mph; accelerates from zero to 50mph in under seven seconds and runs for up to 68 miles on a single two-hour charge. The scooter is also much cheaper then petrol or diesel bikes. Electricity costs one-tenth of the price of petrol and owners of electric vehicles enjoy free parking and charging in many cities as well as access to restricted inner-city traffic zones.
During the day Johnny also: - Recorded a new song, Funeral Blues, for Friends of the Earth at the UK's only solar powered recording studio. Studio A at The Premises in Hoxton, East London is powered by 18 solar panels. Funeral Blues is available to download for free from Friends of the Earths website: www.foe.co.uk.
- Prepared lunch with TV chef, Oliver Rowe at his restaurant, Konstam. Oliver sources most of the food he uses in the restaurant from within greater London – cutting down on food miles.
- Transport through the city was provided by Transport for London’s diesel-electric hybrid double-decker bus and an Ecoigo hybrid taxi. The bus is a world first and emits up to 40 per cent less carbon dioxide than its diesel counterparts.
The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth climate campaign is calling on the Government to introduce a climate change law which commits the UK to cutting its carbon dioxide emissions by at least three per cent every year. A strong law would force the Government to introduce measures that could allow the solutions to climate change – such as electric vehicles – to flourish.
Johnny Borrell said:“Working with Friends of the Earth on The Big Ask climate campaign has made me realise that climate change is a problem we can solve. The solutions to climate change exist – from solar power to electric bikes and locally sourced food - we just aren’t making the most out of them. That’s why I support The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth’s campaign for a strong climate change law. A strong law will make sure the Government does all it can to help these solutions flourish.”
Friends of the Earth’s Director, Tony Juniper said:
“Johnny has experienced some of the solutions to climate change which are out there – promoted by forward thinking individuals or businesses. However these solutions need to be main stream if we are going to make the cuts in carbon dioxide emissions that are needed. The Government can help make this happen. To ensure they do, we need a strong climate change law that commits the UK to cutting its emissions by at least 3 per cent a year.”
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