The Labour Party is only too aware that if any political party is to make the changes to improve our environment and promote sustainable development, it is the Labour Party. At all levels of Government, our elected representatives are working to make the difference.
September 2006, and the launch of the Al Gore movie in Nottingham comes at a time of public concern on climate change. Here is a list of points on the Labour Govt’s stance and what the Labour Gov't has achieved.
The Labour Government is fully committed to our climate change goals. Labour’s 2005 General Election Manifesto clearly stated that:
“First, climate change is the one of the most pressing challenges that the world faces. We will continue to lead internationally on climate change, and to strive for wider acceptance of the science and the steps needed to combat the problem. We will look beyond Kyoto and promote an international dialogue to reach agreement on the long-term goals and action needed to stabilise the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. We will also work for effective international action to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The UK has already met its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. We remain committed to achieving a 20 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions on 1990 levels by 2010, and our review of progress this summer will show us how to get back on track. A 60 per cent reduction by 2050 remains necessary and achievable.”
• We set out measures in the Climate Change Programme and Energy Review which mean we are on course to exceed our commitment under the Kyoto Protocol and to cut UK carbon dioxide emissions by about 16 per cent from the 1990 level by 2010, approaching but falling short of our target to cut emissions by 20 per cent.
• Government recognises that we need to do more to make progress towards our long term goal of cutting CO2 emission by 60 per cent by 2050. Interim targets and milestones have a role to play but do not of themselves reduce emissions.
• We welcome the contribution made to the debate by Friends of the Earth and the Stop Climate Chaos coalition. There is a serious debate to be had about legislative frameworks and the role of targets and milestones. The Government is currently looking at the role of carbon budgeting as a means of helping to deliver our goals.
• However, proposals for legally binding annual targets are flawed. Emissions fluctuate from year to year due to factors outside the Government's control, such as the weather and the prices of different fuels, as well as the economic cycle. That is why international climate change policy frameworks such as the Kyoto Protocol and EU Emissions Trading Scheme are currently based on five-year phases.
• There is much debate about lengthening rather than shortening the phases. A further weakness of the Bill proposed by Friends of the Earth is that it wills the ends without willing the means, containing no actual measures to reduce emissions.
Based on news regarding the Climate Change Programme Review - 28 March 2006
• Margaret Beckett hosted the launch of the UK Climate Change Programme Review today with Alistair Darling, Alan Johnson and David Miliband.
• Labour’s record of leadership and action on climate change is second to none. Tackling climate change at home and internationally has been and will continue to be a priority for this Labour government.
• The Review, and policies already introduced, will mean that the UKshould achieve twice the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions required under Kyoto. Carbon emissions will fall by 7-12 million tonnes by 2010, 15-18% below 1990 levels.
• This Review is not the last word. Labour will in future report annually to Parliament on emissions, impact of policy measures and our future programme.
Political Dividing Lines
• The Liberal Democrats 2005 manifesto failed to make the commitment to a 20% reduction in emissions by 2010 about which they claim to be so concerned.
• The Liberal Democrat record in power at local level bears no relation to their rhetoric at national level, on issues such as congestion charging and wind farms.
• Under the Conservatives UK carbon emissions would be 5% (7 million tonnes) higher – equivalent to the total emissions of Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield.
Domestic Delivery:
• The UK’s emissions record is the envy of almost every country in the world.
• UK emissions of greenhouse gases are projected to be 23-25% below 1990 levels by 2010 – around double our Kyoto target of 12.5%.
• The Review contains a package of measures to reduce emissions from every sector of the economy, including emissions trading, the introduction of a biofuels obligation, action to promote technologies and measures to improve household energy efficiency.
• It will reduce carbon emissions by a further 7-12 million tonnes by 2010. As a result of this and our previous actions, emissions in 2010 will be 15-18% below 1990 levels.
International Leadership:
• The UK should be immensely proud of our international leadership and the success of our G8 and EU Presidencies. We are respected around the world for our efforts. No other country has done as much.
• But the successes of 2005 were just the start. We will push for global action needed in the UN, G8 and EU to meet our manifesto goal – a global agreement to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations.
• In Europe we will seek agreement to extend the EU Emissions Trading scheme and provide certainty for business, and enhance our efforts with our EU partners to help India, China and other developing countries evolve as low-carbon economies.
Highlights of Domestic Action
The Review measures will reduce emissions from every sector of the economy. They include:
• A stricter emissions cap for industry through the EU Emissions Trading scheme;
• Measures to encourage the uptake of biofuels in petrol;
• Tighter building regulations;
• Measures to improve household energy efficiency;
• A renewed emphasis on encouraging and enabling the general public, businesses and public authorities to help achieve the Government's targets and
• Increased levels of microgeneration.
The EU Emissions Trading Scheme works on a “cap and trade” basis. Industry is allocated emissions “allowances” (equivalent to a tonne of CO2) which can be traded. This encourages companies which can reduce emissions to do so cheaply and sell their unused allowances. The draft plan for the second phase of this scheme is published today for consultation. It will save between 3-8 million tonnes of carbon in 2010 (8-29Mt CO2).
Highlights of Our International Plans
The Government will:
• Work to build consensus on the scale of action needed to stabilise the climate and avoid dangerous climate change;
• Work with EU partners to secure agreement to further action in the EU, in particular by extending and strengthening the Emissions Trading Scheme and the Clean Development Mechanism to make them key global and regional tools for emissions reductions beyond 2012;
• In partnership with the EU, enhance our efforts to help India, China, Brazil and other large emerging countries evolve as low-carbon economies;
• Work with the World Bank and others to ensure that the proposed Clean Energy Investment Framework delivers significant new investment in low carbon energy sources, energy efficiency and adaptation in developing countries;
• Support international collaboration and coordination to ensure the successful expansion of new technologies; and
• Help poorer developing countries to adapt to changes in climate already occurring and to make their economies more resilient to future changes.
Questions & Answers
Q: Why have emissions increased?
A: Higher than anticipated levels of economic growth and the recent rises in global energy prices have altered the relative prices of coal and gas, and led to increased emissions and made the target more challenging. The Review addresses this.
Q: How does the UK compare with other countries?
A: Of the EU15 countries only France (-1.9%), Germany (-18.5%), Luxembourg(-11.5%), Sweden (-2.4%) and the UK (-13.3%) have managed to reduce their GHG emissions since 1990. All 5 of these countries experienced an increase in GHG emissions between 2002 and 2003 (the most recent year for which we have data for other countries), and overall emissions from the EU15 increased by 1.3% in this period.
Q: Given that the 2010 goal looks like it will be missed, will the Government now consider agreeing to annual targets?
A: We still believe that we can achieve the carbon target. There are a number of existing processes that will contribute, including the Energy Review and the review. We will also assess progress more regularly and frequently. We will in future publish an annual report to Parliament on emissions, the impact of existing policies and future options.
Q: Does the Government support a carbon budget?
A: The proposals for “Carbon Budgeting” are interesting. Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases depend on the amounts emitted, so emissions reduction pathways are as important as the targets themselves. In addition to our commitment to report annually to parliament, we will examine this issue through the Energy Review, with input from the Stern Review team.
From information drawn together in 2003 ...
Labour's environmental achievements
… have been considerable –
· Climate Change - Kyoto Protocol was ratified by the EU on 31 May 2002 which means that for the UK we have made a legally binding commitment to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to 12.5% below 1990 levels by the period 2008-12 – the UK played a key role in Bonn (July 2001) and Marrakech (November 2001) in securing global agreement to legally binding text. UK Emissions Trading Scheme – the UK launched the world’s first economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme in April 2002. British industry reduced their annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 13.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide last year. The UK Climate Change Programme policies could allow the UK to reduce emissions of 6 greenhouse gases by 23% by 2010 as well as aid our domestic goal to cut carbon dioxide emissions to 20% below 1990 levels by 2010 and help us to provide 10% of the UK’s electricity from renewable resources of energy by 2010. The UK Climate Change Levy will help to fund measures to promote better energy efficiency in business.
· Air Quality - Number of days of moderate/higher air pollution in urban areas fallen by two thirds since 1996 - currently best since records began.
· Beaches and Rivers – cleanest since the 19th Century.
· Water Resources - Leakage reduced by a third since the ’97 election; 12% cut in 2000-2001 water bills (equal to £30 saving per household) and increased investment in sewage treatment and water quality.
· Fuel Poverty - Home insulation grants increased from £315 to £2,000. Since 1997 over 600,000 have benefited from new insulation schemes.
· Energy - Increased support for combined heat and power and renewable energy; cut VAT on energy saving materials from 17.5% to 5%.
Labour and Sustainable Development
The Labour Party is only too aware that if any political party is to make the changes to improve our environment and promote sustainable development, it is the Labour Party. At all levels of Government, our elected representatives are working to make the difference.
Every day, decisions are being made at Westminster & the Council House that will impact on our future. Labour's representatives are making those decisions on the basis of our core values of working together, fairness, social justice and protecting the environment.
Labour's achievements have been considerable and include -
· a million more jobs and the lowest unemployment for over 20 years; cut water leaks by a third; banned the dumping of radioactivity and of oil rigs at sea; started an integrated transport policy & a 10 year programme of £180 billion investment in transport; including.
As portfolio holder for sustainable development …
I know the Council has made huge progress on reducing land fill of waste, improving the insultation of homes (particularly Council houses), introduced better street lighting and provided low energy bulbs for use in the home, improved the heating systems for many schools and council buildings. We are a national leader on integrated transport and look forward to the new tram starting next year.
We will expand the amount of door-step collections for re-cycling. Our work is reviewed by other European cities and our aim is to mainstream our sustainable development policies in to the Council’s priorities.
A sustainable future
Labour’s aim is to promote a better quality of life, now and for future generations, by ensuring that our economy, our society and our environment grow and develop in harmony – this is the principle of sustainable development. Sustainable development is about the reduction of poverty, relief from debt, widening educational opportunity, tackling disease and linking these goals to those of conserving the natural resources upon which the poorest depend for clean water, food, fresh air and their living.
Britain's task over the coming years is to argue that case at every level of society; to make Britain a showcase for it; and to provide leadership internationally for it. And to match action with words.
CLIMATE CHANGE
The UK has led the world in setting tough targets for cutting emissions of the gases that cause climate change.
· At the Kyoto Summit the UK played a leading role in agreeing legally binding targets for reducing developed countries’ greenhouse gas by an average of 5.2 per cent below 1990 levels over the period 2008-2012.
· A new trade round was agreed at Doha and, through the efforts of the EU, environmental issues will for the first time be negotiated within the WTO.
· Published the UK Climate Change Programme that could achieve a 23 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2010, going far beyond the 12.5 per cent obligation that resulted from the Kyoto agreement, and could aid our domestic goal to cut carbon dioxide emissions to 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2010.
· In April 2001 we introduced a revenue neutral Climate Change Levy to help promote energy efficiency in business.
· The UK launched the world’s first economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme in April 2002.
ENERGY EFICIENCY
Labour is promoting energy efficiency and warm homes as well as cleaner fuels such as gas and electricity.
· Our £600 million New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in England (for 2000/01- 2003/04) provides grants of up to £2,000 for elderly and vulnerable people to insulate their homes, up from £315 under the Tories. This scheme will help 800,000 households become more energy efficient by 2004.
· The Affordable Warmth Programme will help up to 1 million households move away from the risk of fuel poverty.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Labour is reducing the environmental impact of energy generation in the UK by encouraging the creation of stronger markets for environmental technologies and energy efficient products.
· We have a target of 10 per cent of the UK's electricity to be from renewable energy by 2010.
· Budget 2002 announced an additional £1.25 billion for science to help support world-class research into biomass generators, micro technologies and other technologies for the storage of energy.
· Following the publication of the Performance and Innovation Unit report on the future of UK renewable energy, Labour announced a further £100 million to support those technologies identified by the report.
· We launched our Combined Heat & Power Strategy to double the UK’s CHP capacity by 2010 and announced a pilot scheme in April for installing micro-CHP units in homes. The 2002 Budget excluded CHP from the Climate Change Levy.
WATER AND AIR QUALITY
Our rivers, parks and beaches are cleaner than ever and we have negotiated tough new standards for air quality.
· English bathing water quality at best ever levels (November 1999) with 90 per cent of beaches passing European standards.
· Number of days of moderate or higher air pollution in urban areas has fallen by two thirds since 1996 - currently the best since record began.
· The Air Quality Strategy published Jaunary 2000 set tougher health-based objectives for 8 key pollutants. In August 2002 we announced new targets to cut levels of four key air pollutants in England air pollution.
RECYCLING
· Labour published a new waste strategy with new targets for recycling including new statutory targets mandating local authorities in England and Wales to recycle 25 per cent of household waste by 2005. The amount of household waste recycled has risen to 9.4 per cent in 1998/9 up from just 7.5 per cent in 1996/7.
PROTECTING AND MAINTAING THE COUNTRYSIDE
· To encourage quality urban living and to reduce suburban sprawl we have put in place an ‘urban first’ rule on planning and introduced a new target of 60 per cent of building to be on brownfield sites.
· Since 1997 30,000 hectares added to greenbelt through boundary changes – an area the size of Bristol.
· The Countryside Stewardship Scheme is a subsidy to farmers and land managers to improve the natural beauty and diversity of the countryside under ten year agreements.
SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION
· Britain has long led the argument in Europe for reform of the CAP so that resources are redirected towards the goals of sustainable and competitive farming, environmental protection and rural development.
· Our £3.1 billion Rural Development Plans for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will provide the tools for our farmers to become more skilled, flexible, and diverse and to produce in a way that sustains and improves, rather than damages, the environment.
· We are implementing the findings of the Curry Commission on a sustainable future for food and farming in the UK, backed by £500 million.
TACKLING THIRD WORLD DEBT
Since 1997, the UK has taken a leading role internationally in securing more generous debt relief for the world’s highly indebted poor countries.
· Through the G7, the UK worked to agree a package worth up to $100 billion of debt relief. The package covers traditional debt relief arrangements, the cancellation of aid debts and a major improvement in the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.
· Unilaterally, the UK has also provided considerable assistance on debt and has already cancelled the aid debts for all the poorest countries, not just HIPC countries, worth some £1.2 billion
Our economic development plans are being developed through a prospectus for major English cities outside London; we will develop our profile as a regional capital and a European city; boosting the attainment of Nottingham’s children to enable them to take up the new jobs to be created.
A better environment is part of attracting jobs to Nottingham and creating a better society; as the portfolio holder for sustainable development, I hope to give a higher profile to reporting progress on these and our Quality of Life indicators.
(Essentially based on information from 2006 & 2003; 2003 info last reviewed 2006-06-01; 2006 info added 2006-09-22)
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