David Miliband cuts UK carbon emissions

The U.K. government has become the world leader in efforts to combating global warming. Legislation outlined on March 13th 2007 by U.K. Environment Secretary David Miliband aims to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases responsible for heating up our atmosphere. Scientists blame man-made emissions for rising temperatures that are causing glaciers to melt, storms to intensify, and sea-levels to rise.

The bill has been hailed as the first of its kind in any country and legally commits the government to address climate change and to a low carbon economy. The environmental agenda is the major topic in the political battleground when it comes to winning the votes of the public.

The draft on the Climate Change Bill was published by Miliband's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs includes binding five year 'carbon budgets' to be set 15 years ahead, with an annual progress report to Parliament.

Key points of the draft bill include:

A series of clear targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions - including making the UK’s targets for a 60% reduction by 2050 and a 26 to 32% 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 five 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.

Assistance is plans to assist the instillation of 8 million homes over the next decade that will reduce carbon emissions by 2 million tons each year. There is also a proposal for a ban on filament light bulbs by 210, forcing people to switch to the more expensive, but longer lasting fluorescent bulbs.

The Government has taken the following key actions:

Worked with energy suppliers who, through the Energy Efficiency Commitment, are investing to improve the energy efficiency of their customers' homes Introduced the Climate Change Levy whereby businesses pay an additional tax on their energy use, unless exempted by their use of renewable energy Introduced a 'Renewables Obligation' so that all electricity suppliers must provide 10% of the energy they sell from renewable sources by 2010 Promised £100 million in new renewable technology, such as wind farms Lowered VAT from 17.5% to 5% on some energy saving materials (insulation and heating controls), if they are fitted by professional installers.

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 is not 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.”

The Bill must be approved by both houses of Parliament to become law. the government hopes it will be enacted in the first half of next year. EU leaders agreed last week that the bloc will produce 20 percent of its power through renewable energy, as opposed to its current average of 6 percent.

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