Government launches draft Climate Change Bill
14 Mar 07
Proposals could see UK as first to introduce legally binding CO2 reduction targets
The UK Government has unveiled its draft Climate Change Bill, which would make the UK the first country in the world to have legally binding targets for reducing carbon emissions.
Speaking yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Blair said the aim was to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050, with an interim reduction target of between 26% and 32% by 2020.
Should the targets not be met, then under the proposals the government and individual ministers could be taken to court and subjected to a judicial review.
The proposals would mean drastic changes to the way businesses are run and how households use power. The government's plans include greater energy efficiency with more households producing their own energy at home, investment in low-carbon fuels and technologies, annual reports on progress and speedier introductions for future carbon reduction policies.
Mr Blair said the bill echoed the feeling of the British people who wanted drastic action on climate change.