Citizenship 3A EU/UK Government Action

European Action 

The EU has set more ambitious carbon emissions reduction targets than the pervious conventins, 

• Aiming to cut emisssions by 20% from the 1990 levels by 2020
• They also wish to increase renenewable energy 20% of total energy supply 
• The UK will be fned if they fail to meet these targets 

UK Action

The 2008 UK Climate Change Act 

• Legally bining targets were set for lowering carbon emissions for the first time
• Aims to reduce 80% of greenhouse gas emisions by 2050 and atleast 34% by 2020
• Both targets are against 1990 levels 

What else were Labour doing when they were in power?

• they worked with energy suppliers to help people make their homes more energy efficient 
• persuaded energy suppliers to provide for more electricity from renewable sources 
• provided grants that encourage people and companies to generate their own heat and power from renewable sources 
• raising tax on dumping to landfill sites, encouraging recycling as it is more financially beneficial 
• setting targets for the amount of carbon dioxide businesses can emit. Busineses are given "carbon credits" and are allowed to trade them with other businesses. 

What are local councils doing?

• Labour made local councils responsible for reducing carbon emissions by reducing landfill waste and issuing businesses with pollution permits 
• The coalition government has scrapped this, and due to budget cuts, many councils have less means to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 
• councils can do alot to contribute to a decrease in carbon emissions, such as: providing free lost insulation (to reduce heating needs), ensuring new buildings are energy efficient and using greener fuel for public transport.