Climate change UK news

"'Because it matters that people take personal responsibility themselves, we want all individuals and all businesses to join us and build a shared national purpose to make Britain a world leader in tackling climate change.' Gordon Brown, June 24 2007 / Inspiring Quotes 5"

2009


 * Government not on track to meet targets for cutting its own emissions, Environmental Audit Committee, August 5 MPs are concerned that the Government is not doing enough to reduce energy use in its buildings - which account for the bulk of emissions - and will therefore fail to meet its target of a 12.5% reduction in carbon dioxide by 2010/11. "The Government's enormous buying power should be used to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy and boost the number of people in green jobs. Ministers and top civil servants are accountable for this agenda and their performance needs to improve dramatically. Leadership on these issues is crucial - the Government can't have one prescription for the country and another for its own operations." Tim Yeo MP, Chairman of the Environmental Audit Committee


 * Universities consulted on more ambitious target of halving emissions in the next ten years, July 29


 * Government announce a consultation which includes "Local authorities tackling climate change", July 21 "The Government wants a debate on whether the idea of local carbon budgets could work for local authorities and what this might mean, building on their current responsibilities for planning, transport, building control and waste management." The consultation concerns include "ensuring councils have the powers and responsibilities they need to tackle climate change" "In setting out its carbon budgets, and policies and proposals to meet them, the Government is presenting a national routemap for the changes we need to make. For this to take root, it will need to be driven in every community across the country. We believe that people should increasingly be able to look to their local authority not only to provide established services, but also to co-ordinate, tailor and drive the development of a low carbon economy in their area, and in a way that suits their preferences. The consent built through a strong and vibrant local debate of the choices we face will be essential to make the change a success. And in setting out their ambitions for carbon, where there are clear local plans with local support, the Government would support the goal of going beyond national targets on carbon." topic


 * Government publishes Low Carbon Transition Plan, July 15 A 'Homes and communities' section includes "challenging 15 villages, towns or cities to be testbeds for piloting future green initiatives."

Related topics

 * Low carbon communities UK news

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