Brown: Low carbon economy is economic and environmental priority

A comprehensive international strategy is required to create a low carbon world, the prime minister has claimed.

In a statement presented in the Guardian, Gordon Brown has called for a decreased dependency on oil as the primary source of fuel in the UK and the world over as part of an environmental and economic strategy.

Energy efficiency as well as an emphasis on renewable power will not only tackle climate change, reduce fuel costs and increase energy security, but create a more stable market, the prime minister stated.

"Our goal that Britain becomes a low-carbon economy is now an economic priority as well as an environmental imperative," he said.

"If we are to ensure a better deal for consumers, energy security and lower greenhouse gas emissions, Britain, Europe and the world will have to change how we use energy and the type of energy we use," he added.

Among the government recommendations for reducing domestic carbon footprints is improving home insulation, installing water efficient products and turning down heating thermostats.