CIWM would like to use cookies to store information on your computer, to improve our website. One of the cookies we use is essential for parts of the site to operate and has already been set. You may delete and block all cookies from this site, but parts of the site will not work. To find out more about the cookies we use and how to delete them, see our CIWM Privacy Policy.

CIWM
You are here: CIWM  >  Publications  >  Latest News  >  Legally Binding Emissions Target Receives Enthusiastic Welcome

Legally Binding Emissions Target Receives Enthusiastic Welcome

18 May 2011

Campaign and lobby groups have joined industry leaders in welcoming the announcement of legally binding targets to reduce the UK greenhouse gas emissions by 2025

A powerful alliance of the UK's largest businesses and environmental groups welcomed the commitment to a legally binding target to reduce carbon emissions by 2025. They state that strong and clear action on climate change is essential for long-term economic growth, jobs and competitive advantage.

David Kennedy, Chief Executive of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said: "We are delighted that Government has accepted our recommendations on the 4th carbon budget (2023-2027). This is a world first: no other country has made legally binding commitments to ambitious emissions reduction targets for the 2020s.

"Setting and meeting the carbon budget will place the UK in a strong position, both in terms of meeting the 2050 target, and building an economy very well placed to prosper in a low-carbon world. 



"The carbon budget will underpin much of the high level ambition set out in the Coalition Agreement. It is important now to translate this ambition into detailed policies with strong incentives.

"The key areas to focus on now are the Electricity Market Reform, demonstration of CCS technology, the Green Deal, the Renewable Heat Incentive, and support for electric vehicle market development.

"With the right policies in place, our analysis shows that we can achieve deep emissions cuts over the next two decades in power generation, buildings and surface transport at low cost.

"Aiming now to introduce clean technologies in these sectors and meet the carbon budget will ensure that we make the right investment choices, maximising long-term growth and reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels."

Tom Delay, Chief Executive, Carbon Trust said of the announcement: "Today's announcement makes the UK the first country in the world to have declared a legally binding target on greenhouse gas emissions beyond 2020. This is significant.

"For business this is good news because it will provide what every business wants; greater certainty. It also sends the much-needed long-term signal to business to compete with each other, to drive new business strategies, to innovate and to drive the mass roll out of low carbon technologies. In short the new budget and target is an important long-term signal to start a short-term race. The evidence to act on climate change is compelling. Now we have set the long-term course we must fine-tune the plan to reach it. "

Darrel Moore