Overview

This Climate and Ecology Bill aims to legally bind the UK government to ambitious climate and ecological targets. It establishes a citizens’ assembly to advise on a new national strategy, mandates government consultation, and amends existing climate legislation to incorporate these broader environmental goals.

Description

The bill mandates the Prime Minister to declare a climate and ecological emergency and set objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, restore biodiversity, and expand natural ecosystems. The Secretary of State must create and implement a strategy to meet these objectives.

Key features:

• A Citizens’ Assembly will be formed to advise on the strategy, with recommendations needing a 66% majority to be considered.
• The Secretary of State must consult various public bodies and seek consent from devolved administrations for measures within their legislative competence.
• The strategy must include measures to minimise the impact on deprived communities and those with protected characteristics.
• The Climate Change Act 2008 will be amended to align carbon budgets with the new bill's objectives.
• The Committee on Climate Change will be given additional duties to advise on the implementation of the new strategy and create methodologies for assessing progress.

Government Spending

The bill requires government funding for the Citizens’ Assembly, including member remuneration and expert witness fees. Additional spending may arise from implementing the strategy's measures, although specific figures are not provided in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Government: Bound by new legal duties to meet climate and ecological objectives.
• Devolved Administrations: Required to consent to certain strategy measures.
• Committee on Climate Change: Given expanded advisory role.
• Citizens’ Assembly Members: Will participate in developing the national strategy.
• Emissions-intensive industries: May face challenges adapting to new emission reduction targets. The bill mandates support for workers in these sectors.
• Developing countries: May receive financial and technological support through the strategy.

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