A better world is possible - Global Commons Institute

Copyright Bruce Nixon 2010. All rights reserved. This electronic copy is provided free for personal, non-commercial use only.
www.brucenixon.com
The world needs to cut rapidly rising emissions to a sustainable average of 2-3 tonnes per person,
probably only 2 tonnes.
UK and EU, need to get down from 12.5 tonnes to 3 tonnes by 2050, an 80% reduction; many experts
now argue for 2 tonnes, a 90% reduction
Developing countries say: rich countries created the problem; have the technological capability; and
need to set an example and assist with aid and technology
We need a new, sustainable, global economic model based on human needs, not corporate power
and debt
The fairest solution is a personal CO2 limit of 2 tonnes for every person on the planet.
It’s time to give something back
This section gave clear indications for businesses, governments and individual citizens. The policies to
achieve these goals are described in Part 2.
New Labour’s achievements
Although New Labour was desperately slow to develop a coherent strategy, it deserves credit. Ed Milliband,
as Secretary of State for Energy, was very different from his predecessors. Like Lord Adonis, Transport
Secretary, he was a breath of fresh air.
UK Climate Change Act, 2008, enacted 2 nd December, set legally binding targets for greenhouse gas emission
reductions through action in the UK and abroad of at least 80% by 2050, and reductions in CO2 emissions of
at least 26% by 2020, against a 1990 baseline. The 2020 target was reviewed soon after Royal Assent to
reflect the move to include all greenhouse gases and the increase in the 2050 target to 80%. At the last
minute, after a successful popular campaign, emissions from aircraft and shipping were included. The act
outlined key provisions and milestones. Many experts regard this act as a model for other nations. However
they doubt these targets will be met, given Government’s lack of clear and comprehensive policies and
strategies, conflicting and inadequate plans and actions and targets still not backed up with adequate,
consistent funding and rigorous enforcement of regulations.
Government also deserves credit not only for a host of smaller initiatives, such as Environmental Impact
Assessments (EVAs), targets for generating renewable energy and standards and regulations for new
building. But again, the latter are inadequately implemented and monitored.
Funding for electric and plug-in petrol-electric hybrids In April 2009, a £250 million plan was announced to
promote low carbon transport over the next five years, including funding for electric and plug-in petrolelectric
hybrids and£20 million for a network of charging points. An analyst at Spyder Automotive suggested
that by 2020 a quarter of cars could be electric. AA president Edmund King said our cities could be
revolutionised but infrastructure, incentives, clean energy and affordable, practical vehicles would be
needed. Electric and plug-in petrol-electric hybrids were expected to go on sale in two years’ time but are
likely to be very expensive initially.
Carbon budgets In April 2009, Alastair Darling announced a target to cut carbon emissions by 34% by 2020.
Most experts thought that not enough and 40% is needed. The budget laid down in five year tranches,
carbon budgets designed to bring down our emissions by 80% by 2050 with an interim target of 34% by
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