The UK Government yesterday launched a five point action plan for the country in response to the threat of climate change.

The plan, which is being led by the Departments of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), is designed to reduce emissions and prepare for the changes in climate that are already inevitable.

Publication of the action plan coincides with Defra’s latest UK Climate Projections, provided by the Met Office, which paint a picture of soaring summer temperatures and water shortages, more extreme weather and rising sea levels.

“These projections add to the overwhelming body of scientific evidence that says mankind must cut carbon emissions now to prevent a future of extreme weather patterns,” says Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Ed Miliband.

The five action points include a commitment to reaching international agreement on climate change measures at Copenhagen in December. At the end of this month, DECC Minister Ed Miliband will set out the Government’s ambitions for the Copenhagen meeting.

As part of these efforts, the action plan reiterates the Government’s commitment to cutting UK emissions by 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. It also confirms that a White Paper scheduled for publication in mid-July will detail how these targets are to be met.

Making the plan work will rely on individuals, businesses and communities playing their part in reducing emissions and adapting to change. The Government’s Act on CO2 campaign will serve as the basis of a range of initiatives aimed at supporting individuals, businesses and communities improve their energy efficiency.

The plan also covers protecting public from immediate risk, such as water shortages and flooding, and gearing up for longer term climate change and the implications it may have for water management and agriculture.

For further information:
www.decc.gov.uk/
www.defra.gov.uk/