Tackling climate change is firmly on the agenda this winter, following the release of the UK Government's Stern Report that highlighted the effects of climate change on the global economy.

In the report, ex-World Bank Chief Economist Sir Nicholas Stern focused on the economic effects of climate change. He claimed that global temperatures have risen 0.5ºC due to carbon emissions, and predicted that if steps aren't taken now to tackle climate change they could rise further still, resulting in an annual reduction of between 5-20% in global GDP. Taking action now will present a cost of as little as 1% of global GDP which is significantly less than the cost if we fail to act immediately. Combating climate change has become an economic necessity. Sir Nicholas Stern has proposed that the global power sector should ensure that at least 60% of their output is from non-fossil fuel by 2050. This has prompted Chancellor Gordon Brown to propose that a new European emissions reduction target be set at 30% by 2020, and 60% by 2050.

As a Carbon News reader you are already considering your approach to combating climate change and cutting your energy bills. In this issue we look at how you can further your commitment; we highlight action you can take that you may not have already considered, such as taking simple steps to raise awareness of the issue amongst employees or installing renewable technologies to lower your carbon emissions.

If you want to find out more visit our save energy section.

Dr Garry Felgate,
Director,
Delivery and External Relations