The UK is unique in being the only country around the world that has introduced a long-term legally binding framework to tackle the dangers of climate change. The Climate Change Act received Royal Assent on 26 November 2008. This Act provides a legal framework for ensuring that Government meets its commitments to tackle climate change. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) was set up as an independent body as part of the Act.

The Act requires that emissions are reduced by at least 80% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. The 2050 target was raised to 80% from 60% following recommendations set out by the CCC in a letter to Secretary of State Ed Miliband in October 2008.

The Act also introduces legally binding carbon budgets, which will set a ceiling on the levels of greenhouse gases that can be emitted into the atmosphere. The CCC’s first report “Building a low-carbon economy” advises on the level of these budgets for the first three five year periods.

The CCC will monitor and report back to Parliament annually on progress made by Government in meeting carbon budgets. The CCC will publish its first progress report in September 2009.