|

Search

National School of Government

Feedback

• Request email bulletins
• Website feedback

Building a low-carbon economy: the UK’s contribution to tackling climate change

On 1 December 2008, the Committee on Climate Change launched its first report (Building a low-carbon economy: the UK’s contribution to tackling climate change) which urges the government to commit unilaterally to reducing the emissions of all greenhouse gases by at least 34% by 2020 relative to 1990 levels.

The report sets out the analysis underpinning its recommendations and the proposed level of the first three carbon budgets covering 2008-12, 2013-17 and 2018-22.

It explains how these budgets can be met using existing technologies and putting in place a range of policies to move to a low-carbon economy. These include:

• Moving away from fossil fuels and adopting cleaner methods of generating electricity and heat including greater use of renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage;
• Using energy more efficiently in homes and office buildings and in industry, through better insulation, use of more energy efficient appliances and waste reduction;
• Reducing transport emissions, developing electric cars, improving the carbon efficiency of engines, harnessing sustainable bio-fuels and greater use of public transport;
• Purchasing offset credits.

Building a low-carbon economy: the UK’s contribution to tackling climate change (PDF)