So the silence and waiting is finally over as today we launch the long awaited 10:10 campaign.

Set to be a powerful demonstration of the UK populations’ determination for a lower carbon future, this campaign is calling on all UK citizens and organisations in the UK, to commit to a 10% reduction in their carbon emissions in 2010. 

NUS has been an active partner from the start. What began as a conversation over a glass of wine at a reception, led to a round table meeting at the Guardian, to today where thousands of people will be descending on the Tate Modern to make their 10:10 pledge. 

I am proud that NUS is playing a central role in this campaign to fight climate change, and I am even more delighted that so many students unions answered our call to get involved.

10% may sound like a lot, people may be worried about signing up to something they can’t complete but 10% can be quite easy. From driving less, to ensuring you turn off your appliances, to taking the train instead of flying you can save 10% without making radical changes to your life.

For the cynics amongst us, 10% is not just a convenient number plucked out of the sky. The UK has one of the strongest pieces of legislation on carbon reduction, but the problem is these targets are too distant. If we are to remain below the 2 degrees needed to prevent climate disaster then we need action now- we need 10% reductions year on year. 

So what makes 10:10 so crucial? This December world leaders will be meeting in Copenhagen to negotiate a new world deal to fight climate change. Over the next few months we need to demonstrate to our politicians that young people across the UK want an ambitious, fair and fast deal to prevent catastrophic climate change.

As young members of society, as the generation who will be faced with the realities of inaction we need to make our voice heard loud and clear. That is why NUS has signed up to 10:10, that is why the unions below have signed up to 10:10 and that is why you need to sign up right here, right now;

For more information on 10:10 please visit www.nus.org.uk

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