2009

Carbon budgets announced
27 April 2009

Friends of the Earth has welcomed the announcement of the first carbon budgets.

This ground-breaking step - as required by the Climate Change Act - sets a cap on emissions by 2020.

But at 34% by 2020 the Government's emissions reduction target is not nearly enough to avoid dangerous climate change.

The science is clear, and urgent

The science is clear the UK must cut emissions by at least 42% to keeping global warming below 2 degrees.

Scientists say 2 degrees' warming is a 'tipping point' beyond which dangerous climate change occurs.

The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research says even 42% by 2020 may not be enough.

By setting its targets so low the Government has ignored the latest advice of climate scientists.

The intended target

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) - the Government's official advisor on climate change - recommended:

Interim target: 34% cuts by 2020
To be used before a global deal is agreed
Intended target: 42% cuts by 2020
To be adopted following a global deal on climate change

The Government's carbon budget raises concerns that they do not intend to raise the target to 42%.

The Government must adopt the full intended target urgently - and certainly once an international deal is agreed.

Carbon credits

Some of the 34% target will be met through buying carbon credits from abroad - paying another country to reduce emissions so we can carry on polluting at home.

The Government limited the amount of credits, which is great. But loopholes in the system could still make this a problem.

Strong support in Parliament

Thanks to your letters and emails to MPs there is now strong parliamentary support for a 42% 2020 target, without off-setting.

This includes:

Over 100 Labour MPs
Including the Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party and 4 ministerial aides
The Liberal Democrat Party
Their shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary released this statement.
Key Conservatives
Including the influential Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee
Nationalist parties
Plaid Cymru, the SDLP and members of the SNP

MPs from across the political spectrum have supported our campaign for climate targets based on science, not political convenience.

Now we must focus our efforts on the international climate talks in Copenhagen in December.

Find out more

You can read more detailed analysis of the carbon budget in Friends of the Earth's 2020 climate target briefing and Budget 2009 briefing.