Why cut carbon dioxide emissions by 3% each year?4 May 2011
Scientists say temperature rises of more than 2ºC above pre-industrial levels would be disastrous for people and wildlife.
Even a rise of 2ºC will bring big problems.
To stay within the 2ºC limit, levels of CO2 in the atmosphere must stay as far below 450 parts per million (ppm) as possible.
Home truths
The UK Government is committed to an 80 per cent cut by 2050 (compared to 1990 levels).
See the latest carbon emissions data produced by the Energy Information Administration here.
Cut it out
Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for about 100 years.
Every year we stall on reducing our emissions to the targets set, result in bigger and tougher cuts in the future. Cuts that threaten the economy as well as the environment.
Long term targets don't work. Smaller and more regular cuts will ensure a smoother transition to a low carbon economy.
UK businesses could lead the way in cleaner, cutting edge technologies.
The Big Ask
Friends of the Earth campaigned for UK emissions cuts of at least 3%,year on year in the battle against dangerous climate change. This became legally binding in the form of the Climate Change Act in 2008.
