Climate Change Act 2008
The UK has passed legislation which introduces the world’s first long term legally binding framework to tackle the dangers of climate change.
The Climate Change Bill was introduced into Parliament on 14 November 2007 and became law on 26th November 2008. Copies of the Climate Change Act 2008 can be obtained via the OPSI website:
Timeline of Key events
- 1 December 2008: Committee on Climate Change established as an independent body
- 1 December 2008: Committee on Climate Change provides advice to Government on the level of the first three carbon budgets and its full review of the 2050 target - see www.theccc.org.uk
- Spring 2009: Government to announce proposals for the level of the first three carbon budgets alongside the (fiscal) Budget 2009
- 1 June 2009: deadline for Government to set the first three carbon budgets through secondary legislation agreed by both Houses of Parliament
- Mid 2009: Government will publish policies and proposals to meet the first three carbon budgets
Further information
Background
The UK Government is committed to addressing both the causes and consequences of climate change and has therefore passed a Climate Change Act. It will create a new approach to managing and responding to climate change in the UK through: setting ambitious targets, taking powers to help achieve them, strengthening the institutional framework, enhancing the UK’s ability to adapt to the impact of climate change and establishing clear and regular accountability to the UK, Parliament and devolved legislatures.
Page last modified: 2 December 2008
Page published: 13 March 2007