Government publishes world’s first Climate Change Bill

The Climate Change Bill is the first of its kind in the world. It sets out a framework that aims to put Britain on the path to becoming a low-carbon economy with clear, legally binding targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 60% by 2050, and 26-32% by 2020, against 1990 levels.

As well as setting lucid targets, the Bill provides a pathway to achieve those reductions through a system of five-year carbon budgets set 15 years ahead, which would give investors and policymakers certainty and direction.

Environment secretary Hilary Benn said: “This Bill is a landmark in environmental legislation and will set us firmly on the path to the low-carbon economy we know is fundamental to our future. We need to provide the framework that will give government, businesses and individuals a clear idea of how we’re going to tackle climate change.”

He also stressed that the UK government needs to show the world that it’s taking decisive action within its own borders, particularly ahead of the crucial talks in Bali next month where Benn wants to launch formal negotiations on a comprehensive future climate deal that involves every major country on earth.

“This Bill shows the world that we’re serious, and that we’re not asking other countries, and in particular poorer countries, to do what we’re not willing to do ourselves,” said Benn. “This is vital to our ambition to get a future deal agreed by the end of 2009.”

As well as advising on carbon budgets, the Committee on Climate Change, proposed in the Bill, will be charged with investigating whether the 2050 target needs to be strengthened further, as well as reporting on the impacts of including emissions from international aviation or shipping in the UK’s targets.

The Climate Change Bill incorporates 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 five year carbon budget and the 2020 and 2050 targets.

The Bill will enable powers to introduce new trading schemes through secondary legislation, similar to the Carbon Reduction Commitment, a new cap and trade scheme for large organisations.