Launch of the draft Climate Change Bill

March 13 was an historic day. The Government published its draft Climate Change Bill.

The Bill will put the UK at the forefront of global efforts to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

A Friends of the Earth archer aims at a target of 3%

The Bill, once passed, will transform the way the UK economy is run and set a leadership example for the rest of the world. It will:

Set a long term target for CO₂ cuts.
Require annual reports to Parliament.
Form a group to advise what sectors should cut emissions - and by how much.

The Big Ask campaign isn't over

The Government has launched a three month consultation on the contents of the Bill. MPs will then get a chance to make the Bill tougher in the Autumn.

Let's give credit where it's due: the idea of making CO₂ cuts legally binding was first floated two years ago by Friends of the Earth...from then on FoE pushed the idea relentlessly in a campaign entitled The Big Ask.

The Independent, 14 March 2007

Friends of the Earth believes three important things have been left out of the draft Bill:

Bigger cuts
The Government proposes a 60 per cent cut of carbon dioxide by 2050. We need reductions of at least 80 per cent.
Annual targets
The Government wants five year budgets for CO₂. We want shorter targets - to hold the current Parliament to account.
Aviation and shipping
International flights and shipping emissions are excluded. We want these included.