06 Feb 2008 11:02:49
Committee may recommend 'tighter' emissions targets
The head of a new independent committee charged with examining the UK's battle against climate change has claimed that the body may recommend more stringent emissions targets.
Lord Turner, chair of the Committee on Climate Change, told BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme that while he believed the UK's target of reducing carbon emissions by 60 per cent before 2050 was achievable, greater action might be necessary.
He went on to highlight the potential for future technological developments as being the main reason for his confidence in the UK's ability to reach the 60 per cent goal.
"One of our very first tasks will be to look at the latest scientific evidence to decide whether it is the case that that is arguing for a tighter target, to look at the economics of going for a tighter target and to produce a recommendation on that by the end of the year," Lord Turner told the broadcaster.
"By then [2050], we will be able to develop new technologies, we will be able to achieve dramatic changes in energy efficiency - I think that is clear, that if we pull the right policy levers early enough, those sorts of cuts by mid-century are possible."
The new committee is planning to deliver its initial report on the level of emission reduction required by the end of this year, with a separate examination of the UK's "carbon budgets" due by September.
