Overview

This bill amends the UK's Climate Change Act 2008 to establish a legally binding target for UK consumer emissions by 2050. It requires the government to set this target, consult with relevant bodies, and report regularly on progress towards achieving it. The target will consider emissions from the production, supply, and use of all goods and services consumed by UK residents, including imports.

Description

The bill introduces several key changes to the 2008 Act:

• Setting a Consumer Emissions Target: A new section (3A) mandates the Secretary of State to set a target for net UK consumer emissions by 2050. This target must be approved by both Houses of Parliament.
• Consultation and Transparency: Before setting the target, the Secretary of State must consult the Committee on Climate Change and other national authorities. Any differing opinions or decisions must be publicly explained.
• Reporting Requirements: The bill amends existing reporting sections to include explicit reporting on UK consumer emissions, including emissions from imported goods and services. It defines "net UK consumer emissions" as emissions minus removals.
• Definition of Consumer Emissions: The bill clearly defines "UK consumer emissions" to encompass emissions from the production, supply, and use of goods and services consumed by UK residents, irrespective of where those emissions originate.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any additional government spending. However, meeting the consumer emissions target will likely necessitate significant investment in various areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation. The exact cost is difficult to predict and will depend on the specific target set.

Groups Affected

This bill could affect various groups, including:

• Businesses: Businesses involved in the production, supply, and import of goods and services will be directly impacted and may need to adapt their practices to reduce emissions.
• Consumers: The bill's aim is to drive emissions reductions, which may lead to changes in the cost and availability of certain goods and services.
• Government: The government will have to implement policies and regulations to support the achievement of the consumer emissions target, which may involve additional administrative costs.
• Environmental Organizations: These groups will be impacted through the potential for a stronger policy framework for emissions reduction.

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