This snapshot, taken on 07/08/2007, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
 
 08 August 2007
Confident Consumers - A Fair Deal creating Prosperity & Success for All
 
You are here:
 

Climate Change and Energy

Climate Change is probably the greatest long term challenge facing the human race. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has overall responsibility for tackling climate change, but DTI has a major interest as a number of policies and measures affect the energy sector and business.

Along with Defra and the Department for Transport, DTI shares a Public Service Agreement target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with our Kyoto commitment and domestic goal (please see below).

Kyoto Commitment

The UK has a legally binding commitment under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases by 12.5% below 1990 levels over the period 2008-2012.  Latest projections show UK emissions should be around 24% below by 2010, around double our commitment.

Domestic Climate Change Goals

The 2000 UK Climate Change Programme confirmed a domestic policy goal of moving towards a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the most important greenhouse gas, by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010.

The 2003 Energy White Paper further developed the UK’s climate change policy by adopting a longer-term goal of putting the UK on a path to reduce CO2 emissions by some 60% by 2050, with real progress by 2020.

In spring 2006, following a review, the government published an updated UK Climate Change Programme.  This has introduced additional measures that will take us close to our domestic goal and ensure that the UK can make real progress by 2020 towards the long-term goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by some 60% by about 2050.

This was followed on 11th July 2006 by the publication of the government’s review of energy policy “The Energy Challenge.” The purpose of the review was to examine the UK’s progress against the medium and long-term 2003 Energy White Paper goals and consider options for further steps to achieve them.

Economics of Climate Change  

On 30th October 2006 Nicholas Stern published his review of the Economics of Climate Change the most comprehensive review ever carried out on this subject.  The first half of the review focuses on the impacts and risks arising from uncontrolled climate change and the costs and opportunities associated with action to tackle it.  The second half examines the national and international policy challenges of moving to a low carbon economy.

Draft Climate Change Bill

On 13 March 2007 the Government published a draft Climate Change Bill.  Along with an accompanying strategy, the draft Bill sets out a framework for moving the UK to a low carbon economy.  It also demonstrates the UK's leadership as progress continues towards establishing a post-2012 global emissions agreement.

Defra: Press Statement
Defra: Draft Climate Change Bill
Parliamentary Statement by David Miliband

For further information on Climate Change policies and measures please use links on the right hand side of the page.

Consultation on Energy Measures Report

On 9 May 2007, the government published a consultation seeking views on an energy measures report. The report will contain information that local authorities in England and Wales can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address fuel poverty. The consultation closes on 1 August.

© Crown copyright 2007