Give thanks that the Government has agreed on one of our key demands and pray for the two amendments still needed to the Bill.
As a result of your campaigning we have achieved our first significant victory on the campaign for a strong Climate Change Bill.
The Government has announced that it will set an annual target range for emissions reductions (what we’ve been calling annual milestones).
The UK is the first country to introduce a law to cut carbon emissions, but there’s a real danger that it won’t be tough enough.
Without drastic emissions cuts, the devastation caused by climate change will worsen, hitting the world’s poorest hardest.
This success shows the Government is listening to us – our campaigning is working. But, there are still two crucial amendments we need to get our emissions under control:
- Increase the 2050 carbon dioxide reduction target from 60%, to at least 80%
- Include the UK’s share from international aviation and shipping in emissions reduction targets
The Bill still does not have a target of at least 80% cuts by 2050. However, following a Government defeat in the Lords, a ‘purpose’ clause has been added so the Bill’s purpose is for the UK to play its part in keeping global temperature rise below 2C, above which climate change will become a whole lot worse.
This is a step in the right direction but the 80% reduction target is vital in order for the UK to play its part in keeping temperature rise below 2C.