'Radical changes' needed to cut emissions
Updated on 12 October 2009
As protesters scale parliament to demand climate change action, a report says more wind turbines, nuclear power and electric cars are needed to meet carbon targets.
The first annual report by the government's climate change committee identified a series of radical measures required to cut emissions from homes, transport and electricity generation in the UK.
Large-scale strategies to deliver insulation and new energy efficient boilers to millions of homes, as well as several new nuclear power stations, "clean coal" plants and thousands of wind turbines, are needed to create a "step change" in the rate of reducing emissions and ensure the country meets its climate commitments.
The committee, publishing its first progress report on efforts to reduce greenhouse gases in the UK, also said the government needed to get 1.7 million electric cars on the road by 2020, and to consider road pricing as part of efforts to tackle rising emissions from transport.
It even suggested "eco-driving" tips, such as not braking suddenly and sticking to the 70mph speed limit on motorways, should be taught as part of driving lessons.
In the past five years, greenhouse gas emissions have been falling at a rate of less than 1 per cent a year, with the most significant pollutant, carbon dioxide, only dropping by 0.5 per cent annually.
In order to meet reductions of up to 3 per cent a year, there needs to be "massive improvement" on current rates, the committee's chef executive David Kennedy warned.
The recession has led to a drop in output of emissions which could create a "false impression" that the UK is rapidly cutting its greenhouse gases, but action must be taken now to ensure targets are met later in the next decade once the economic downturn has eased, the report said.
Mr Kennedy said: "Quality of life gets better if we meet the carbon budgets, in terms of green jobs, air quality and fuel security. If we can get to those opportunities we are all going to benefit."
The report said that efforts to cut emissions from homes and buildings would require a national programme - similar to the strategy which saw the country switch to natural gas in the 1970s - of energy efficiency measures delivered on a street-by-street basis.
Some 10 million lofts and 7.5 million cavity walls need to be insulated by 2015, and all 12 million inefficient boilers in people's homes must be replaced by 2022.
The report called for much greater use of the most energy efficient appliances such as fridges, washing machines and dishwashers as part of the strategy to green the UK's homes - a policy which must be government-led and far exceed current efforts.
Climate protest
The report published its findings as more than 20 environmental protesters remained on the roof of the Palace of Westminster in a demonstration over climate change. Another 20 were being held by police.
The Greenpeace activists hope to greet politicians as they arrive for the start of Parliament this morning with a 12-point manifesto calling for zero carbon emissions by 2030, a stop to airport expansion, more wind power and new pollution taxes.
The group is looking to upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen as the ideal opportunity to address the climate problem.
The demonstrators climbed on to the roof, ramparts and a turret on top of Westminster Hall yesterday, unfurling yellow banners which read: "Change the politics, save the climate."
They said there was little resistance from police when they moved quickly to prop ladders against the wall and climb on to the roof.
After four and three quarter hours on the roof, 20 protesters climbed down one by one using a ladder and safety harness and were arrested for trespassing on a "protected site".
