Published in July 2009 The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan plots out how the UK will meet the cut in emissions set out in the budget of 34% on 1990 levels by 2020 (NB: 34% was the "interim" target recommended by the Committee on Climate Change until a global deal on climate change is reached, at which point the "intended" target should be a 42% cut).
A 21% reduction has already been delivered. The Plan's main points are:
By 2020:
- More than 1.2 million people will be in green jobs
- 7 million homes will have benefited from whole house makeovers, and more than 1.5 million households will be supported to produce their own clean energy
- Around 40% of electricity will be from low carbon sources, from renewables, nuclear and clean coal
- We will be importing half the amount of gas that we otherwise would
- The average new car will emit 40% less carbon than now.
The Plan has a chapter devoted to agriculture which says government will:
- Encourage English farmers to take action themselves to reduce emissions to at least 6% lower than currently predicted by 2020, through more efficient use of fertiliser, and better management of livestock and manure.
- Review voluntary progress in 2012, to decide whether further Government intervention is necessary. The Government will publish options for such intervention in Spring 2010.
- Ensure comprehensive advice programmes are available to support farmers in achieving this aim, to reduce their emissions from energy use, and to save money in the process.
- Research better ways of measuring, reporting and verifying agricultural emissions.
- Encourage private funding for woodland creation to increase forest carbon uptake.
- Provide support for anaerobic digestion, a technology that turns waste and manure into renewable energy.
- Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, and better capture of landfill emissions.
Post a new comment »