The Fourth Carbon Budget CCC 2011

David Kennedy, Committee on Climate Change

Provides a detailed overview of the CCC’s Fourth Carbon Budget, highlighting that the UK’s 2050 target of an 80% emissions reduction remains appropriate and that by 2030 the UK should aim for a 60% reduction. It calls for legislation for the Domestic Action Budget to take place now, including moving to the Intended Budget for the non-traded sector, during the UK’s second and third carbon budgets (via domestic abatement), but keeping options open to go further if a global deal is achieved. Policy implications of adopting the Fourth Budget are set out, including: electricity market reform and a carbon price underpin; support for the development of new technologies and markets; and making a step change to deliver the first three budgets.