The UK Government is the first in the world to propose a formal Bill to help achieve the stated goals of ‘reducing carbon dioxide emissions and ensure steps are taken towards adapting to the impacts of climate change’.  This groundbreaking legislation seeks to set statutory emissions targets, establish an independent body to monitor and guide progress on meeting those targets, create enabling powers to help the Government address this issue and create a clear reporting framework.

On 12 June, The Environment Council submitted its response to the Government’s consultation on the Draft Climate Change Bill (for a copy of The Environment Council’s response, please click here - .pdf, 138 KB).   

We advocate the following key points as absolutely critical to achieving rapid, effective and joined-up implementation of the Climate Change Bill’s intended aims:

>	Engagement as a means of gaining buy-in and collective action from all sectors of society
>	Promoting a balanced, participative approach to decision-making, especially on complex multi-faceted issues such as the best path towards a low-carbon economy
>	Involving stakeholders such as industry, Government, user groups and the public in determining the best ways to implement solutions to climate change, for example efficiency measures in the home and workplace

This Bill is an opportunity to define the UK’s approach to addressing climate change.  We believe strongly that its effective implementation will be crucial to delivering its aims and targets.  Furthermore, we believe that the most effective implementation will be achieved through engagement and participation.

Materials

>	The Environment Council's full response to the Draft Climate Change Bill can be found here (.pdf 138 KB)
>	A copy of The Environment Council's Principles of Authentic Engagement, submitted with the response, can be found here (.pdf 33 KB)
>	A review of The Environment Council's Cross-Party Parliamentary Reception on the Draft Climate Change Bill and related material can be found here
>	A copy of the Draft Climate Change Bill Consultation document can be found here

For more information on The Environment Council’s work with Government, please contact Winsome Grigor by email  or on 020 7632 0108.