British Government Launch New Bill And Strategy For Tackling Climate Change

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE

The British Government's blueprint for tackling climate change was yesterday set out by Environment Minister David Miliband.

The draft Climate Change Bill, the first of its kind in any country, and accompanying strategy, set out a framework for moving the UK to a low-carbon economy, demonstrating the UK's leadership as progress continues establishing a post-2012 global emissions agreement.

Key points of the draft bill, include:

" A series of clear targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions - including making the UK's target for a 60 per cent reduction by 2050 and a 26 to 32 per cent reduction by 2020 legally binding.
" A new system of legally binding five year "carbon budgets", set at least 15 years ahead, to provide clarity on the UK's pathway towards its key targets and increase the certainty that businesses and individuals need to invest in low-carbon technologies.
" A new statutory body, the Committee on Climate Change, to provide independent expert advice and guidance to Government on achieving its targets and staying within its carbon budgets.
" New powers to enable the Government to more easily implement policies to cut emissions.
" A new system of annual open and transparent reporting to Parliament. The Committee on Climate Change will provide an independent progress report to which the Government must respond. This will ensure the Government is held to account every year on its progress towards each 5-year carbon budget and the 2020 and 2050 targets.
" A requirement for Government to report at least every five years on current and predicted impacts of climate change and on its proposals and policy for adapting to climate change.

The draft bill will be subject to a full public consultation alongside pre-legislative scrutiny in Parliament.

David Miliband said:

"With climate change we can't just close our eyes and cross our fingers. We need to step up our action to tackle it, building on our considerable progress so far. And time isn't on our side.

"This bill is a critical part of the equation. It will help us achieve the twin goals I set out in the strategy I am also publishing today - demonstrating leadership through action at home, while also continuing to work towards a strong international agreement post 2012.

"Crucially the Climate Change Bill, the first of its kind in any country, demonstrates our determination that this leadership role will continue.

"Government must rightly lead from the front on this, but we want everyone - the public, industry, Parliament - to have their say to help us ensure that the Bill really delivers."

1. The Draft Climate Change Bill and accompanying paper can be accessed at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/climatechange-bill/