National Action
If we are to limit the catastrophic effects of climate change, we need to cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050. To achieve any dramatic cuts in CO 2 emissions will require an international agreement between those countries responsible for emitting large quantities of CO 2.
The Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 with the aim to cut global emissions of CO 2 by 8% by 2012. 141 countries, which account for the production of 55% of the World’s greenhouse gas emissions, have ratified the treaty, therefore making it legally binding. This represents the first step towards an international commitment to tackle climate change.
However, a major flaw with the Kyoto Protocol is that the targets agreed are inadequate. The 8% reduction target is a long way off the 60-80% cuts on global emissions deemed necessary to stabilise the concentration of gases in the atmosphere.
Each Country has further gone to set its own individual targets for CO 2 cuts. Under the Kyoto protocol, the UK government agreed upon a 12.5% reduction, but also set a more ambitious domestic target to reduce CO 2 emissions by 20% by 2010.
There are a number of steps the government is taking in attempt to achieve these ambitious targets. These include:
- Cut emissions from the transport sector.
- Promote energy efficiency in the domestic and private sector.
- Stimulate new, more efficient sources of power generation.
- Cut emissions from agriculture and forestry.
The UK has achieved a 5% reduction in CO 2 emissions between 1990 and 2001. However, in March 2006 a government report revealed that although the UK is expected to meet the 12.5% CO 2 reduction outlined in the Kyoto Protocol, it is unlikely to meet its own target of 20% reduction of emissions by 2010.
The Climate Change Programme Review estimates that existing policies will only deliver a cut of 15-18% by the end of the decade. Therefore, there is now a push for tighter emission controls, greater uptake of energy efficiency schemes, and more funding available for the development of microgeneration projects, in an attempt to get closer to meeting the 20% reduction target.
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)was created in 1988. Its role is to assess information relevant to understanding the scientific basis of human-induced climate change; it’s potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation.
The Climate Change Levy is a tax on the use of energy in industry, commerce and the public sector. However, electricity generated from renewable energy, and fuel used by good quality combined heat and power schemes are exempt from the tax. This therefore helps to support renewable energy sources and energy efficiency schemes.
The Energy White Paper, published in 2003, is the long-term framework for the UK’s energy policy. The aim is to have 10% of the UK’s electricity being provided by renewable sources by 2010, and to reduce CO 2 emissions by 60% by 2050.
The UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) was set up in 1997 to encourage private and public sector organisations to assess their vulnerability to climate change, so they can plan their own adaptation strategies.