The UK is one of the top two countries when it comes to carbon pricing legislation, but still has work to do in a number of other key laws if it’s to lead the way in helping to deliver a global deal to prevent dangerous climate change.
This is one of the findings of the first study on
global climate change legislation, which shows that in 16 of the world’s largest economies some form of legislation is being developed to help cut
carbon emissions. However, the report by the
Global Legislators Organisation’s (GLOBE), an international organisation that brings together legislators to decide how governments should best respond to environmental issues, current legislation does not yet, cumulatively, add up to what is necessary to avoid dangerous climate change.
"The study illustrates that the shape of the debate on climate change is shifting from being about sharing a global burden – with governments naturally trying to minimise their share – to a realisation that acting on climate change is in the national interest," said GLOBE president, Rt Hon. John Gummer.
The London School of Economics and Political Science conducted the study, which has been released in preparation for the Major Economics Forum on Energy and Climate in Brussels this week and the UN climate change discussions set to take place in Durban this December.
Study findings
Based on the study’s figures, the UK is the number sixth lowest emitter of carbon, largely because multiple Government efforts to reduce
emissions.
Commenting on the report, UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne, said: "Low carbon i
nvestment needs clear domestic law as well as a comprehensive global agreement. Under the UK’s Climate Change Act, we are transforming the way we live and work to cut carbon, save energy and support jobs and green growth."
Both the UK and South Korea are listed as focusing on carbon pricing as their main areas for climate change legislation, while the majority of countries, including Germany and Japan, are focused on
energy efficiency.
UK Climate Change Act
The report names the Climate Change Act as the flagship legislation in the UK contributing significantly to carbon reductions by aiding the transition to a low carbon economy and helping the UK meet it’s goal of 80 per cent carbon emission reductions by 2050.
The legislation includes emissions performance standards, incentives to promote energy efficiency, agricultural policies, lower carbon vehicles and caps on emissions, while establishing five-year budgets.
While the UK is leading in carbon pricing legislation, it lags behind in forestry and other land use legislation, which is the main focus in both Brazil and Indonesia.
It is promising, the report says, that developing nations are taking strides to reduce their carbon emissions, since they will be key areas of economic growth.
"The international priority must now be to push ahead, building on the progress at Cancun, and work towards a global climate deal," Huhne said.
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