13 March 2007
The Government’s blueprint for tackling climate change has been unveiled by Tony Blair, who described it as a ‘revolutionary step".
The draft Climate Change Bill, the first of its kind in any country, sets out a framework for moving the UK to a low-carbon economy.
Mr Blair, Gordon Brown and David Miliband answered questions from young people in Downing Street during the launch.
The PM told them:
"Every generation of political leaders is confronted by a major and often different challenge. People that have been in Downing Street over the years have faced issues to do with the Cold War, the Depression and the rise of fascism. Climate change is a bit of a different type of challenge but a challenge I believe is the biggest long-term threat facing our world.”
Key points of the draft bill include:
- Making the UK’s targets for a 60 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050, and a 26 to 32 per cent reduction, by 2020 legally binding
- A new system of five-year "carbon budgets", set at least 15 years ahead, to provide clarity on the UK’s pathway towards its key targets
- A Committee on Climate Change to provide expert advice and guidance to Government on achieving its targets and staying within its budgets
The draft bill will be subject to a full public consultation - giving everyone the chance to have their say - alongside pre-legislative scrutiny in Parliament.
A strategy paper released alongside the Bill sets out how it fits into the Government’s wider international strategy, as well as detailing a range of future domestic policies to achieve its aims.
It argues that all sectors of society will have to contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy, but without a reduction in standards of living.
European leaders last week agreed a 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and a commitment that renewable energy will comprise 20 per cent of EU energy consumption by the same year.
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