22 Feb 2008 05:02:12
New members named for climate change committee
The first five members of the government's new climate change committee have been named by environment secretary Hilary Benn, it has emerged.
According to Reuters, the committee - which will be headed by Adair Turner - will be comprised of economists Michael Grubb and Sam Fankhauser, as well as technologist Jim Skea and scientists Robert May and Brian Hoskins.
"The founding members of the committee are leading experts in their fields, and they will make a vital contribution in our efforts to build a low carbon Britain," Mr Benn said.
Earlier this week, he announced his intention to ask the committee to review the current 60 per cent carbon emissions reduction target, which is set for 2050.
According to the news source, this target may be increased to 80 per cent - a figure recommended by some environmentalists.
"This review will now be a statutory duty and I've asked the Committee to provide their advice on both the 2050 target and on the first three carbon budgets by December 1st," Mr Benn said.
