In Parliament

Climate Change Bill 04 May 2007

We can all rise to the challenge of climate change

In March 2007, the Climate Change Bill made Britain the first country in the world to adopt a long-term legal framework to reducing carbon emissions and managing the transition to a low carbon economy. The bold targets of reducing carbon emissions by 26-32% by 2020 and at least 60% by 2050 from the 1990 level are now legally binding and are accompanied by five-year carbon budgets. It is clear that to tackle such a global challenge we need global solutions, but it is key that Britain shows world leadership in the bid to tackle climate change, whether it be as a major player in the targets set by the EU or through diplomacy on a world level. All talk of climate change being a global problem can sometimes mask the fact that as individuals and as communities we can all help in the push to tackle the problem.

David Millband MP, Secretary for the environment said:

"Every part of society has a role to play in tackling climate change. Individuals are responsible for over 40 per cent of the UK 's carbon dioxide emissions through energy use in homes and personal transport, but I believe that people want to do their bit, and need information and support. That's why we are highlighting some of the simple steps that households can take to cut their energy bills and carbon dioxide emissions and some of the ways that the Government will help, working in partnership with councils and energy companies."

Together we can rise to the huge challenge of climate change...

Five things you can do:

• Turn your thermostat down 1 oC

• Turn appliances off when not in use

• Replace your light bulbs with energy saving ones

• Do your washing at a lower temperature

• Get a home energy check

Five things your Labour government will do to help you:

• Home insulation programmes

• Free electricity monitors

• Phase out energy inefficient light bulbs

• Higher product standards and labelling

• Home energy ratings