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Britain's Climate Change bill sets 60% cuts |
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Written by Philip Foster
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Monday, 12 November 2007 |
 Britain claims to be the first nation in the world to have a Climate Change Bill that will set legally binding cuts of 60% of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
The Government is expected to be allowed to extend carbon trading to medium sized organizations such as supermarkets and public bodies not currently covered by the EU carbon-trading scheme. The scheme applies only to power generators and airlines at the moment.
It is believed that in time every person or householder in the nation could be given a personal carbon allowance, taking into account how much energy is used at home, driving and flying in future. However, officials insist the Government has no plans to introduce such an allowance at present.
The Bill proposes legally-binding 5-year "carbon budgets" to allow businesses to invest in low carbon technology. A new Climate Change Committee will hold ministers to account.
Critics point out that the 60% cuts are already out of date as reductions of 80% are necessary due to emission of other greenhouse gases such as methane.
Environmentalist Tony Juniper said, "We’re delighted that the UK is set to become the first nation to introduce legislation to cut its contribution to climate change. But the Government must strengthen its proposed legislation if it is to be truly effective and deliver the scale of action that scientists are now calling for. This means setting annual milestones that will deliver at least an 80 per cent cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, and including Britain’s share of emissions from international aviation and shipping. If Gordon Brown toughens up this legislation, his visions of becoming a world-leader in developing a low carbon future can become a reality."
John Wright, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Small businesses stand ready to do their bit to cut carbon emissions. However, the Government has to do much better at providing advice to them so that they can achieve this. The balance between economic growth and environmental legislation must be maintained because only by increased investment in research and development by the private sector will we find solutions to the problems of climate change." THE END. |
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