The Stern Report

The world has to act now on climate change or face devastating economic consequences, according to a report compiled by Sir Nicholas Stern for the UK government. BBC report

"There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we act now and act internationally" Lord Stern

Its main conclusions are that one percent of global gross domestic product (GDP) per annum is required to be invested in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change, and that failure to do so could risk global GDP being up to twenty percent lower than it otherwise might be.

Climate Change Bill is law.

Parliament voted on 28th October for the world-beating legislation after a 3 and a half year campaign by Friends of the Earth.

The Bill will include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions cut from 60% to 80% by 2050
• International aviation and shipping emissions included
• Annual milestones

“Today is a historic day. Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK who have demanded a strong law have forced the Government to listen and won a huge victory in the battle against climate change.”

“Developing a low carbon economy here in the UK is the only way to deliver on the law, move Britain out of recession and into a greener more prosperous future.”  Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth Executive Director.

The Bill, which will be made law in November, is expected to usher in huge changes to Government policy and life in the UK. The Government will need to toughen up its climate change plans and rethink projects such as coal fired power stations that will lead to a big increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The British public should begin to notice real changes in everything from how they heat their homes to how they get around as the UK makes the switch to a low carbon economy.

Committee on Climate Change

The Committee on Climate Change is an independent, expert body to advise the Government on the pathway to the 2050 target and to advise specifically on: the level of carbon budgets; reduction effort needed by sectors of the economy covered by trading schemes, and other sectors; and on the optimum balance between domestic action and international trading in carbon allowances.

It will take into account a range of factors including environmental, technological, economic, fiscal, social and international factors, as well as energy policy, when giving its advice.