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 29 August 2008 07:37 BST

Climate bill unveiled

Tuesday, 13 Mar 2007 12:01
CO2 emissions are expected to be cut by 20%

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Campaign groups have welcomed the government's climate bill published this morning but warn that it needs to be strengthened if it is to have a lasting impact on the world.

The bill is the first of its kind in any country and sets out a framework to move the UK towards being a low-carbon economy.

Included in the targets are a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent by 2050 and a 26 to 32 per cent reduction by 2020.

If the bill becomes law a climate committee would be established and five-year "carbon budgets" set in place.

A greater emphasis would also be placed on renewable energy such as wind, wave and solar power and homes would become more energy efficient.

Announcing the bill, environment secretary David Miliband said that climate change is not a problem that people can "close our eyes and our fingers" to.

"We need to step up our action to tackle it, building on our considerable progress so far. And time isn't on our side," he said. "This bill is a critical part of the equation."

In his foreword to the bill, prime minister Tony Blair added: "The threat from climate change is perhaps the greatest challenge facing our world.

"Without decisive and urgent action, it has the potential to be an economic disaster and an environmental catastrophe."

Although campaign groups have praised the government for introducing a climate bill, some have warned that it needs to be altered to ensure full effectiveness.

The five-year carbon targets have come under fire, with Christian Aid calling instead for annual carbon budgeting milestones and WWF arguing that "the five-year budget periods will leave far too much scope for buck-passing between different governments and ministers".

Annual targets have also been supported by the Conservatives; shadow environment secretary Peter Ainsworth said that they are necessary to "ensure that the UK remains on track towards a low carbon economy and to ensure true accountability".

"The government is right to consult over its proposals and to seek a wide range of views before moving to legislation. It is essential to get the framework right, and we look forward to a constructive debate," he added.

Friends of the Earth's director Tony Juniper said: "We are delighted that the government has recognised the need for a new law to tackle climate change. But the draft bill must be strengthened if the UK is to set a global example.

"It must include bigger cuts in carbon dioxide emissions and make all future governments accountable for their role in delivering these cuts."
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