UK climate body calls for change in policies to cut emissions

The UK climate change watchdog called for a 'step change' in government policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In a report to MPs yesterday, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said annual emission cuts must rise from an average of 0.5 per cent between 2003 and 2007 to 2-3 per cent each year if the UK is to meet its low carbon targets.

''What we have proposed is achievable and affordable,'' said Lord Adair Turner, the chairman of the committee, adding that the government needs to act now if we are to make our contribution to tackling climate change.

Among the key recommendations to reduce emissions are more support for electric cars, a national home insulation plan and streamlined planning procedures for wind farms and nuclear reactors.

Last year, emissions are estimated to have been cut by around 2 per cent compared with an average 0.5 per cent in the four year period to 2007.

The committee questions whether plans to reduce power station emissions by 50 per cent by 2020 will be achieved without a stimulus.