Media: UK to introduce long term binding CC target

The UK Government has stated it will legislate to require a 60% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050.

The Queen’s Speech, which is a statement read by the Queen on behalf of the Government that sets out its legislative agenda for the Parliamentary year ahead, included a proposal for legislation introducing a long term target addressing Climate Change: “My government will publish a bill on climate change as part of its policy to protect the environment, consistent with the need to secure long-term energy supplies.”

The details are expected to be published in an Energy White Paper in March 2007 setting out the Government’s policy proposal in full. However, the BBC reports (Link) that the climate change bill will introduce a binding target of a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050; establish an independent "Carbon Committee" to work with ministers to deliver reductions "over time and across the economy"; create new powers to reach the 2050 target; and improve the way CO2 reductions are monitored and reported, including to Parliament.