Cross-government action plan on climate change launched
A cross-government climate change action plan backed by the PM and DPM has been launched setting strict actions and deadlines for Whitehall.
The Carbon Plan sets out what has to happen and by when if the government is to live up to its green ambitions, meet tough domestic carbon targets and encourage greater action internationally.
It is focused on the jobs and economic opportunities of the low carbon economy and on policies that will help insulate Britain from future energy price shocks.
The Plan is published in draft today with the government inviting the public and organisations to give their views on the contents. A final version will be published in the autumn and quarterly updates on progress will be published on the Number 10 website.
Three key changes are highlighted in the plan that will be required across the UK economy, including the way electricity is generated, the way homes and businesses are heated and the way people travel.
Internationally, the plan sets out how the UK will work within the European Union and with other countries to promote ambitious action on climate change.
The government has also announced that at least 1,000 Green Deal apprentices aged 16 and over could receive government funding towards their training. The apprenticeships have received backing from a number of companies including B&Q, Carillion, E.ON, British Gas and InstaGroup.
The government is already working with a number of councils to explore how they can develop their role in the Green Deal - from supporting whole community refurbishment and training of local people, to creating and focusing local demand to encourage investment.
The announcement of the Carbon Plan and Green Deal apprenticeships was made during a visit by the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne to B&Q’s flagship energy saving store in Sutton.
Read more: The Carbon Plan (DECC website).
Read more: What is the Green Deal? (DECC website).