Government commits to 80% carbon cuts as Climate Change Bill is approved by Parliament
Sun 19 October 2008
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The Government has committed the UK to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 compared with 1990 levels. The target will become binding in UK law following the Climate Change Bill's passage through Parliament this week.
The new Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband announced the 80% commitment, taking up the recommendations of Lord Turner's Climate Change Commitee. The cost of securing an 80% cut, according to Turner, will be 1-2% of GDP in 2050.
Previously the Government had committed to a target of a 60% cut in emissions by 2050 but Mr Miliband said this target has now been overtaken by the science.
The Government has also said that it will re-draft the Climate Change Bill to allow for the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from aviation and shipping when setting budgets for carbon reduction in the future. The Government had been threatened by a revolt by more than 50 Labour MPs prior to the Bill's third reading. The rebel MPs argued that the Bill would be seriously weakened if it did not include the contribution to emissions from these sectors. Emissions from aviation, in particular, have been growing fast.
Mr Miliband (quoted in the Guardian) said: "If we carry on flying in the way that we are and expanding airports, we need to do less of other things. We are absolutely determined that we meet our overall targets."
Stephen Hale, Green Alliance director, said: "Ed Miliband's first major decision suggests he gets it. An 80% cut in emissions by 2050 is needed to avert catastrophic climate change."
Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins said: "We are absolutely delighted that Ed Miliband has committed the UK to cutting its emissions by 80%by 2050 - this is what the science demands." But he added: "Miliband's admission that pollution from international aviation and shipping will be dealt with outside the bill is a sign that these industries are being picked out for special treatment yet again."
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