The government has made its pledge to cut carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2050 legally binding by adopting the Climate Change Bill.
As well as the emissions target, the bill includes plans for the creation of an independent body to monitor progress and to give advice.
Although it has admitted it will probably miss its manifesto target for cutting emissions by 20 per cent by 2010, the government is still committed to lowering harmful greenhouse gases.
“Climate change is an issue of critical importance and urgent action is needed both at home and internationally to tackle it,” said David Miliband, the environment minister.
The bill, which was announced in the Queen’s speech yesterday (November 16), puts in place “a long-term goal and [sets] out a framework for achieving this”, he added.
Environmentalists welcomed the bill but have criticised the government for not including aviation. However, so-called “enabling powers” could be used to force companies to join a domestic emissions trading scheme, and these may also target the transport sector.
easyJet has expressed its desire for the aviation industry to be included in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and other airlines have been making green changes too.
Regional low-coster Flybe is investing in fuel-efficient Embraer aircraft and Virgin Atlantic has suggested a system of “starting grids” for planes at airports that could save fuel.
