One year after the pledge, the UK government moves to become “the greenest government ever”
The most ambitious carbon reduction legislation in the developed world, with the only legally binding emission-reduction targets going into the 2020s was announced by Minister for climate and Energy, Chris Huhne, yesterday, marking a historic step in the future of the UK’s economic development. A 50% cut on 1990 levels within the period 2023-2027.
The Prime Minister, David Cameron, said “By making this commitment, we will position the UK a leading player in the global low-carbon economy, creating significant new industries and jobs.”
This is a promising start to the year ahead of the COP17 deadline for the next period of internationally agreed action, setting the benchmark for other developed and European countries to follow.
Keith Allott, WWF-UK’s head of climate change, said: “No other country has set legally binding emission-reduction targets going into the 2020s, and so with this decision the UK is demonstrating genuine leadership on climate change. The Climate Change Act remains a groundbreaking piece of legislation that, with support, will underpin the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.”
The policies required to achieve these targets are to be set out in October. These policies will need to be bold and fast in order to set the pace of growth needed to achieve these targets.
Katja Hall, director of policy at the CBI, which represents UK business, said: ”Ultimately, it is the success of measures such as the green investment bank, electricity market reform and the green deal that will decide whether we meet ambitious emissions targets.”
It is up to UK citizens, young and old, to make sure these policies are delivered and that the review in 2014 is similarly constructive.
