Climate Bill must set global leadership

The Government has a unique opportunity to provide global leadership on climate change through introducing a strong Climate Change Bill, WWF said today.

The Government announced today that the Bill will initially set out to reduce carbon emissions in the UK by 60 per cent by 2050.

David Nussbaum, Chief Executive at WWF-UK, said: "The Government should be applauded for introducing the Climate Change Bill - a groundbreaking political initiative which could, if we get it right, set a shining example for the rest of the world to follow.

"All the science - including the Government's own assessments - tell us that to avoid the most devastating impacts of climate change we must cut emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050. If the UK and other developed nations reduce their emissions by 60% - rather than the 80% we need - the world still faces a high likelihood of warming of around four degrees C, which would have disastrous impacts for people and
wildlife."

WWF is also calling on the Government to include emissions from international aviation and shipping in the Bill.

Mr Nussbaum added: "Carbon emissions from aviation are the fastest growing source of emissions in the UK and the effectiveness of the Climate Change Bill could be undermined if they are not included. Ignoring emissions from aviation is like going on a diet which allows you to eat as much chocolate as you like.

"It would be quite unfair to push ahead with targets to reduce emissions from industry, road transport and housing, while turning a blind eye to major sectors of the economy such as aviation and shipping."