March 10th, 2011 by HM Government Department of Energy and Climate Change
A cross-UK Government action plan on climate change backed by Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was launched on 8 March 2011 setting strict actions and deadlines for Whitehall.
The Carbon Plan sets out what has to happen and by when if the UK Government is to live up to its green ambitions, meet tough domestic carbon targets and encourage greater action internationally. It is focused on the jobs and economic opportunities of the low carbon economy and on policies that will help insulate Britain from future energy price shocks.
The Carbon Plan is published in draft form today with the UK Government inviting the public and organisations to give their views on the contents. A final version will be published in the Autumn and then updated annually.
In a foreword to the document, the UK Prime Minister, UK Deputy Prime Minister and UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne write “this Carbon Plan sets out a vision of a changed Britain, powered by cleaner energy used more efficiently in our homes and businesses, with more secure energy supplies and more stable energy prices, and benefiting from the jobs and growth that a low carbon economy will bring.
But it does more than that. It shows exactly how we will deliver that vision and play our part in the global effort to tackle climate change and build a green economy through specific, practical action across government, month by month and department by department.’’
The draft Plan highlights three key changes that will be required across the UK economy, including:
Internationally, the plan sets out how the UK will work within the European Union and with other countries to promote ambitious action on climate change; support developing countries to limit emissions and adapt to climate change; and seek further progress towards a global climate change agreement.
The document details a range of deadlines and actions that a number of Government departments will have to meet. These include:
The entire public sector is working together to deliver the low carbon economy and local government in particular has a vital role to play in harnessing the enthusiasm that exists at the local level for tackling climate change.
To enable local councils the opportunity to take the lead in reducing emissions Chris Huhne will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Vice-Chair of the Local Government Association, Richard Kemp this week, which will set out how DECC and the Local Government Group will work together to help and encourage all councils to take firm action to:
For more detailed information about the path the UK will take to reduce carbon emissions and meet the obligations under the Climate Change Act visit the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan web page.