Government publishes Climate Change Programme 2006; includes road transport elements
Wed 29 March 2006
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The Government has confirmed, in concluding the Climate Change Programme Review, that the UK is unlikely to achieve its target of a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010 and that an outcome in the range 15-18% below 1990 levels is now more likely.
The long-awaited Climate Change Programme 2006 was published in late March following an 18-month review process.
On road transport the Government's report does not contain new measures. It states that road transport CO2 emissions grew by 8% between 1990 and 2000, even though average new car fuel efficiency improved by 10% since 1997. The report cited forecasts indicating that road transport emissions will grow by another 8% between 2000 and 2010, although stating that the link between traffic growth and economic growth has weakened in recent years.
The report highlighted recent new measures aimed at the road transport sector. It identified the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation as a key measure and also singled out a range of measures grouped under the heading 'smarter choices'; aimed at helping people to choose more sustainable travel options.
The new programme states that the Government will "continue to investigate the desirability of introducing surface transport CO2 emissions trading at a UK level, either as preparation for EU-wide adoption or as a self-standing measure."
(The LowCVP is proposing to examine emissions trading options as a part of its 2006/7 work plan.)
The CCP report 2006 also stated the Government's commitment to continue funding the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership and highlighted the Partnership's activities and achievements.
According to the Secretary of State for Environment, Margaret Beckett, current policies should reduce the full 'basket of emissions' of greenhouse gases to 23-25 per cent below 1990 levels, or around twice the UK's commitment under the Kyoto Protocol.
Mrs Beckett also announced the Government will in future report annually to Parliament on emissions, future plans and progress on the domestic climate change agenda. She also indicated that the Government will seek to continue its international leadership role, and build on progress achieved through the G8 Summit in Gleneagles, the European Union and the Montreal Climate Change Conference.
The Government also intends to enhance efforts to help India, China and other developing countries evolve as low carbon economies.
The Government's announcement received a hostile response from most environmental NGOs. Friends of the Earth accused the Government of lacking the political will to tackle climate change. In a press release, the environmental campaign group described the review as "pathetic" and called for a new law to make the Government legally responsible for reducing UK carbon dioxide emissions.
The response from business was more moderate. The CBI described the review outcome as "a step in the right direction" but also complained that most of the emissions reduction burden is being met by the business sector. CBI Deputy Director-General John Cridland said: "...business knows that tackling climate change cannot be ducked and intends to do its part - but it cannot keep shouldering most of the burden. Of all the reductions in emissions achieved in the UK since 1990 business has been responsible for delivering 80 per cent of them. Yet, today's figures pile between a half and two-thirds of the additional cuts on business."
Related Links
Climate Change Programme 2006 - Defra report
Financial Times comment
CBI press release link
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