13 March 2007 - Tearfund's response to the draft Climate Change Bill

The bill says: This bill puts into statute the UK's targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through domestic and international action by 60 per cent by 2050 and 26-32 per cent by 2020, against a 1990 baseline.  

We say: A good start, but this lags behind the science which indicates 80 per cent should be the target by 2050 – with a need for a minimum reduction of 30 per cent by 2020. The government needs to explicitly commit to keeping global warming under the 2˚C danger threshold.  

The bill says: Five-year carbon budgets, which will require the government to set, in secondary legislation, binding limits on carbon dioxide emissions during five-year budget periods, beginning with the period 2008-12. Three successive carbon budgets (representing 15 years) will always be in legislation.   

We say: The UK needs annual budgets – if this can be done with the nation’s financial budget we can do it with the nation’s carbon budget - putting a carbon budget at the top of the political agenda. 

The bill does not set budgets in accordance with the UK’s fair share of green-house gas contribution, which needs to keep global warming under 2˚C. It does not ensure all sectors of the economy play their full part, including aviation and shipping.  

The bill says: Emissions reductions purchased overseas may be counted towards the UK’s targets, consistent with the UK’s international obligations. This ensures emissions reductions can be achieved in the most cost effective way, recognising the potential for investing in low-carbon technologies abroad as well as action within the UK to reduce the UK’s overall carbon footprint.  

We say: Tearfund wants to see real emissions reductions from UK activities in line with its fair share and responsibility of meeting global targets. We do not want the UK to export our obligations.  

Committee on climate change 

A committee on climate change will be set up as an independent statutory body to advise the government on the pathway to the 2050 target and to advise specifically on the level of carbon budgets; reduction effort needed by sectors of the economy covered by trading schemes and other sectors; and on the optimum balance between domestic action and international trading in carbon allowances.   

Enabling powers 

The bill contains enabling powers to introduce new trading schemes through secondary legislation. This increases the policy options which the government could use to stay within budgets and meet emissions targets.   

Reporting requirements 

The committee on climate change will have a specific role in reporting annually to Parliament on the UK’s progress towards achieving its targets and budgets. The government will be required to lay before Parliament a response to this annual progress report.   

Every five years, the committee’s report will contain an explicit review of the UK’s performance over the last budget period, and the implications of this for keeping on track to meet future targets and budgets.   

The bill will also allow Parliament to monitor the government’s proposals and policies for integrating adaptation to climate change into its work by establishing regular reporting to Parliament.