Act on Copenhagen: UK low carbon transition plan

Launched July 15, the UK’s Low Carbon Transition Plan (PDF, 3.79MB) is an economy-wide strategy to convert the UK into a permanent low carbon economy. Ed Miliband opens windfarm at Little Cheyne on 13 July (RWE N Power)

It details how we will meet our own domestic climate targets – as set in law in the world’s first Climate Change Act – to cut emissions by 34 per cent by 2020 based on 1990 levels.

What the plan means for Copenhagen

Our future economic prosperity and security depends on converting to low carbon living. That’s why we’re taking action now and showing that the UK is willing and ready to play its part in the Copenhagen deal with real policies and real cuts in emissions.

The G8 and Major Economies Forum last week produced a 'historic' agreement and real breakthrough by recognising for the first time ever that global temperatures ought not to exceed 2 degrees C. This means that developed and developing countries will have to demonstrate that their actions and commitments are consistent with the science of the 2 degrees C framework.

Developed countries must show leadership and ambition over coming months – and will need a low carbon transition plan if they’re to be taken seriously by the developing world in the run up to Copenhagen.

What the plan will achieve domestically

Britain’s plan is about opening the doors to new jobs, new industries and new international trading opportunities. The measures we are announcing today mean that by 2020:

More than 1.2 million people will be in green jobs
7 million homes will home energy makeovers, and over 1.5 million households will be supported to produce their own clean energy
40% of electricity will be from low carbon sources, from renewables, nuclear and clean coal
We will be importing half the amount of gas that we otherwise would
The average new car will emit 40% less carbon than now.