Slash Emission By 80% For 2050, Says Climate Committee

Greenhouse gas emissions should be slashed by 80% by 2050, the committee advising the Government on climate change has stressed.

The new target would "prove challenging" but is still "feasible", according to the Committee on Climate Change.

Current targets are set at a 60% reduction, but the advisory panel has suggested an expansion of this target, across all sectors of the economy, would cost between one and two percent of gross domestic product in 2050.

Newly appointed Climate Change Minister Ed Milliband received the proposals in a letter from Committee Chair Adair Turner, who suggested new goals would target all manmade gases, rather than solely carbon dioxide.

An acceleration of the reduction in emission is required if the UK is to half its emissions, in line with the global goal for 2050, according to the committee.

Mr Turner told the Climate Change Minister: "Meeting an 80% target or higher will be challenging but feasible."

Recommendations for meeting the goal include increased energy efficiency in buildings and industrial activities, as well as the expansion of renewable energy sources, to replace fossil fuel plants.

The Committee also suggested improvements could be made in the transport sector, in addition to the increased use of biomass in boilers, and combined heat and power.

It will release its full report on the new target and the Government's first three carbon budgets on 1 December.

(PR)