Think-tank says 20% target for 2010 can still be met
Mon 11 July 2005
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A leading independent 'think-tank', has urged the Government to stick to its manifesto promise to cut CO2 emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010. A new report from the ippr says that the target can be met if the Government takes decisive action.
The ippr says that the transport, household and industrial sectors must all play a part. For road transport, ippr suggests that the Chancellor should increase differentials between road tax (VED) bands to at least £50 and introduce a new top band for vehicles with the poorest fuel economy.
The report says that most of growth in emissions of road transport CO2 since 1990 has been from vans and lorries. It says that this situation needs to be urgently rectified at EU level and combined with the introduction of national taxes to encourage the purchase of more fuel efficient models.
The ippr's research shows that UK CO2 emissions have risen in the last two years and are now only four per cent below the 1990 level. ippr says that the UK is only just on course to meet its target under the Kyoto Protocol to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent, including CO2 and other gases, and will fall well short of the target for CO2 if nothing is done.
Tony Grayling, ippr Associate Director and report author said: "The Government should keep its manifesto promise to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent by 2010. Some industry lobbyists are calling for the target to be dropped. But ministers should listen to the many business leaders calling for stable long term policies to secure investment in low carbon technologies rather than the usual suspects resisting change. Far deeper emissions cuts will be required in future to combat climate change. It is in Britain’s economic interests to get ahead of the game. The UK Government also has an important global leadership role on climate change, especially during this year when it holds the presidencies of the G8 and EU. Credibility abroad requires action at home."
Recent newspaper reports have suggested that the Government has been considering scrapping the 2010 target.
Related Links
ippr press release link
ippr report - download
Independent on Sunday news link
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