David Ruffley MP, the Shadow Minister for Police Reform, has this week offset all the carbon emissions caused by his driving over the past 12 months.

By making a payment to www.climatecare.org David has ensured that all emissions his driving has been responsible for have been offset.

Climate Care offset carbon emissions by funding projects around the world. These can be in:

• Renewable energy- this replaces non-renewable fuel such as coal

• Energy efficiency- this reduces the amount of fuel needed

• Forest restoration- this absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere as the trees grow

As well as taking steps to reduce individuals' 'carbon footprints' they can offset what remains, helping to promote low-carbon technologies where they make the most impact.

This is the second consecutive year in which David has offset his carbon emissions.

David said:

'This is the second consecutive year in which I have supported Climate Care and offset my carbon emissions.

'I hope that by continuing to offset the CO2 emissions caused by my driving other individuals and MPs at Westminster will be encouraged to do the same.

'Climate Care does some excellent work offsetting CO2 emissions through funding projects in areas such as reforestation and renewable energy.

'They have been praised in the work they do by Jonathon Porritt, the former Director of Friends of the Earth, and Professor Diana Liverman, Director of Oxford University's Environmental Change Institute.

'CO2 emissions from motor vehicles are a major part of the climate change debate. It is heartening that an East Anglian firm, Lotus Cars in Norfolk, have been heavily involved in the development of the Tesla Roadster- a fully electric car with a range of over 200 miles.

'Offsetting carbon emissions is only a small part of tackling climate change. We must also try, where possible, to use more public transport and not make unnecessary journeys in our cars.

'Climate change is a global problem and we are all in it together. Only by acting together can we go on to ensure generations to come enjoy a clean, green future.'