FAQs - UK target for reducing carbon dioxide emissions
Q. Why is the UK target for reducing carbon dioxide emissions still 60% instead of 80%?
A. There is considerable stakeholder consensus around 60% as an ambitious commitment for the UK, in line with our leading position internationally. The Prime Minister announced on 24 September that the Government will ask the independent Committee on Climate Change to advise whether the target of a 60% reduction in emissions by 2050, which is already bigger than most other countries, should be even stronger still.
The Climate Change Bill will set a long-term legal framework for reducing emissions by this and future Governments. We have opted for five-year carbon budgets with annual reporting, rather than setting annual targets for very good practical reasons. Budgets provide a more sensible approach as annual emissions may vary, due to an unexpected cold spell or fluctuations in fuel prices.
We are establishing the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) as an independent statutory body to advise the UK Government and Devolved Administrations on the pathway to the 2050 target. The Bill proposes that the CCC provides an independent progress report to which the Government must respond, and to ensure that it is held to account each year on its progress towards each five year carbon budget and the 2020 and 2050 targets.
Page last modified:
22 February 2008
Page published: 22 February 2008