The Advertiser
By: Gregory Katz, London
The British Government has detailed ambitious plans to cut carbon emissions substantially by 2020, and said 40 per cent of the country's electricity by then would come from renewable sources.
The proposal on fighting climate change, announced yesterday, envisions expansions in wind energy as well as continued use of nuclear power and clean coal. It also plans for the average new car to be emitting 40 per cent less carbon that vehicles discharge today.
A government study predicts that 1.2 million Britons will be working in "green'' energy jobs by 2020.
Britain's goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 34 per cent by 2020, as compared with 1990.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said the proposal - which now must be debated by politicians - relied on expanding the use of wind energy, insulating homes better, installing sophisticated electric meters and other measures.
"This is a route map for how, as a country, we are going to take the carbon dioxide out of what we do, in the way we provide energy in our homes and in the ways we provide transport as well,'' he said. "There will be big changes in our lifestyle, and big benefits for us, as well as avoiding the disaster of climate changes.''
Mr Miliband admitted the Government had to persuade Britons to back the plans for expanding wind farms. He said costs for consumers would likely rise as Britain moved to a low-carbon economy.
"There will be strong regulation and help for those who need it to make sure that this is fair,'' he said.
The Government's plans were generally well received by environmental groups, including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.
Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins said the planned measures were welcome but more decisive steps were needed.
"We need more ambitious emissions cuts, greater levels of investment and an industrial strategy that really delivers,'' he said. - AP