The Climate Changed Bill gained Royal Assent on 27 November. This makes the UK the first in the world to have legislation to cut emissions.
This shows that campaigning works. Thank you for raising your voice with the global church by campaigning and praying for a stronger Bill. Your persistence and patience has worked and we now have a world class Bill to be proud of.
Tearfund has been campaigning with Stop Climate Chaos for a tough Climate Change Bill to make sure the UK cuts its emissions and plays its part in tackling climate change.
We are delighted that the campaign has been a success. All three of our campaign asks have been achieved – thanks to your hard work campaigning!
- 80 per cent: There is now a 2050 emissions reduction target of 80 per cent in the Bill. This is in line with what scientists recommend for developed countries to cut their emissions
- International aviation and shipping: Emissions from these sources will now be covered by the Bill ensuring that aviation – the UK’s fastest growing source of emissions is no longer excluded
- Annual milestones: The Bill has five yearly budgets for carbon - annual targets provide a way to keep emissions cuts on track
Pray: thank God for the climate law and for campaigners and MPs who have worked hard to make it strong.
Find out more: read Tearfund's analysis of the details in the Climate Change Bill here.
The Bill will become law in the next few weeks after it has been voted on in the House of Lords. There is still work to be done to make sure that these targets are achieved by developing a low carbon economy at home, rather than buying in cheap credits from abroad.