National Policy
David Cameron declared earlier this year his ambition was to have the “the greenest Government ever”. At home and abroad the Coalition Government is seeking to tackle climate change whilst securing energy supplies, developing a green economy to create green jobs and green growth and to move towards a low carbon UK.
Internationally the Government’s ambitions are to limit global carbon emissions, find new sources of funding for climate change adaptation and mitigation and to drive an increase in the EU emission reduction target to 30% by 2020.
The UK is a member of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which was adopted as the basis of a global response to climate change and the convention is complemented by the Kyoto Protocol. This treaty between 37 industrialised countries and the European Community is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 5% by 2012.
Following the major climate change summit in Copenhagen in 2009 the Copenhagen Accord endorsed a two degree warming limit as a benchmark for global progress on climate change. This year the Conference of the Parties in Cancun, Mexico aims to reach agreements with governments from around the world to reduce global warming by conserving energy, more renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
At a national level the Government focus is on 3 key UK policy areas
- UK energy supply – achieving secure, affordable and low carbon energy in the future;
- A low carbon UK – help the UK move to a low carbon economy;
- Supporting consumers – to improve energy efficiency and address fuel poverty.
DECC and Defra are the lead departments tackling the climate change agenda. DECC is committed to saving energy through the Green Deal as well as securing a low carbon future. Defra have developed adaptation plans (along with all Government departments) to prepare for future climate change events like flooding and coastal change.
Take a look at this short briefing note for further information on national climate change policy.
