CBI Lobbies Government on Climate Change

06/04/2005

In its recent submission to the UK Climate Change Programme Review the CBI expressed support for the Government's goal for developed economies to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050 while calling for the Government to show leadership on the world stage and put pressure on competitor countries to deliver on their reduction commitments. The CBI stressed the need for all sectors of the economy to play their part alongside business in tackling climate change.

Business has played a key role in keeping the UK on track to meet its Kyoto targets and while it can do more it should not be given sole responsibility for delivering these cuts. Business emissions fell by nearly 17 per cent in the last 15 years but household emissions fell by less than four per cent. The precise mix of policies needed to address emissions from these sectors should be based on assessment of the most cost-effective programme of measures. To bring us to our 60% target Government must also explore more radical policies including stronger support for low carbon technologies such as carbon capture and storage and an immediate assessment of whether new nuclear is likely to be needed to meet the 2050 target. The full response can be downloaded at: