Carbon Emissions: UK Shows The Way?

Chris Huhne

The Environment minister, Chris Huhne, announced yesterday that the UK will attempt to halve emissions by 2027. But, as predicted, the announcement included a back-out clause should the EU let their own cuts slip.

That said, his words could be a potential game-changer if it leads to a series of similar announcements around the world in the coming months.

I notice Huhne was at pains to emphasis that there was more to this than climate change. It would also encourage "green growth" (i.e. economic growth based on things like renewable energy), give us a competitive advantage in a growing sector of the world economy (i.e. increase exports), improve energy security, and protect us from oil price volatility.

Blimey, sounds like our government knows what the issues are here. Do they also have the wit and strength of purpose to address them effectively? Only time will tell.