Strategies put in place by Government to reduce carbon emissions: International climate
Kyoto Protocol
The UK is committed to the Kyoto Protocol – an international treaty which considers climate change. The protocol commits countries to adopt an urgent approach to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
The aim of the Kyoto Protocol was to provide countries upholding the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) the option to execute methods of setting targets to control and measure the production of greenhouse gases within the country.
EU Emissions Trading Scheme
The EU Emissions Trading Scheme is part of the policy to combat climate change. It enables the cost-effective reduction of greenhouse gases. The scheme provides a set cap on the amount of particular greenhouse gases that can be produced. Organisations can purchase emission allowances within the cap and these allowances can be of use in trading between companies, depending upon the demand.
Climate Change Act 2008
The Climate Change Act 2008 was introduced to legally assure the reduction of carbon emissions. An outline of the Climate Change Act requires the Government to execute methods that will reduce the production of both carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. Additionally, the act holds that the Government has a responsibility to prepare for climate change. Further, Implementation through UK climate change risk assessments which should be subject of revision every 5 years.
The Carbon Plan
In December 2011 the Government developed the Carbon plan with proposals for achieving reductions and meeting the 2050 target. This plan is in accordance with the Climate Change Act 2008 and determines the ways in which the emission reduction targets will be achieved.
Individual responsibility
An effective way of reducing the emissions in the UK is to transfer energy efficiency into our buildings. Incorporation of new green technologies into homes ensures that the UK is reducing its carbon footprint without a significant change in their daily life. The Government also wants to move towards a ‘zero waste economy’, where we reduce, reuse and recycle, with waste disposed of only as a last resort.
In industry
The Carbon Trust provides assistance to worldwide organizations, promoting the reduction of carbon and providing them with the means of a sustainable future. The Government also utilizes the Green Investment Group . The Green Investment Group raises private funds for the financing of investments regarding environmental preservation within the private sector.
Transport
The Government is attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced through transport. Transport contributes to a quarter of the overall carbon emissions in the UK. Consequently, In an attempt to eliminate this, the Government is encouraging the modern innovation of green technologies. That is, making buses greener and reinforcing the use of public transport. Additionally, the Government-endorsed Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) promotes the production of biofuels in order to reduce environmental damage. The obligation requires that transport suppliers must be able to show percentage of fuel that they supply comes from renewable sources.
Agriculture
The agricultural industry is accountable for one third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. That is, production of carbon is often through the burning of fossil fuels in order to power farm machinery. This is also the case in the production of chemicals. The emissions from transportation of produce and the clearing of forests to grow crops. As a result of this, the farming industry introduced the Greenhouse Gas Action Plan. The plan particularly looks at the way that farmers can increase their self-efficiency while continuing to cut costs. This can be achievable through working individually to contribute to the larger agricultural industry. Also through the generation of renewable energy and storing of carbon within soils.
