Climate Change Act 2008, No. 27 (as amended)

The Climate Change Act 2008 is a landmark piece of legislation in the UK, setting out a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. It was the first of its kind to set legally binding climate change mitigation targets and remains foundational to the UK's environmental policy.

Purpose:

‍The primary purpose of the Climate Change Act 2008 is to reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions and drive progress towards a low-carbon economy. It aims to achieve at least an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (from the 1990 baseline), with interim targets set for each five-year period (known as "carbon budgets").

Requirements:

1. Carbon Budgets: The Act requires the government to set legally binding carbon budgets, which cap the amount of greenhouse gases the UK can emit in a five-year period. These budgets are designed to keep the UK on track to meet its 2050 target.
2. Climate Change Committee (CCC): The Act establishes the CCC, an independent advisory body tasked with advising the government on setting carbon budgets and reporting on progress.
3. National Adaptation Programme (NAP): The Act mandates the creation of a NAP that outlines the government's approach to addressing the impacts of climate change, assessing risks, and preparing for climate change effects.
4. Reporting Requirements: The government is required to report regularly to Parliament on the progress made towards meeting carbon budgets and implementing the NAP.

Who They Apply To:

• Government: The central government is primarily responsible for setting policies, carbon budgets, and ensuring that the statutory requirements of the Act are met.
• Public Bodies: Various public bodies, including local governments and certain agencies, are required to consider climate change impacts in their activities and decision-making processes.
• Businesses and Industries: While the Act itself sets the framework, subsequent regulations and policies that arise from it can impose specific obligations on businesses and industries, particularly those in high-emission sectors, to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Climate Change Act 2008 is a critical tool for the UK in its efforts to combat climate change, setting out a structured and legally enforceable path towards significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The Climate Change Act 2008 establishes stringent evidence requirements to ensure transparency, accountability, and progress in meeting the UK’s climate change goals. Here’s a summary of these key evidence requirements:

1. Carbon Budget Reporting:
   • The government must provide evidence-based reports on the proposed levels and implications of each carbon budget. This includes scientific, economic, and technological evidence supporting the feasibility and implications of these budgets.
2. Progress Reports:
   • The Climate Change Committee (CCC) plays a pivotal role in this area. It is required to assess and report on the progress made towards achieving the carbon budgets and the overall target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The CCC’s reports must include detailed data and analysis of emissions trends, the effectiveness of the measures implemented, and recommendations for future actions.
3. National Adaptation Programme (NAP) Reporting:
   • The government must compile evidence to support the development of the NAP, which addresses the risks identified in the Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA). The NAP report should detail the actions planned to adapt to climate change impacts, and subsequent reports must evaluate the progress and effectiveness of these actions.
4. Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA):
   • Every five years, the government must publish a CCRA, which involves gathering and analyzing evidence on the current and projected impacts of climate change on the UK. This assessment forms the basis for planning and prioritizing adaptation measures in the NAP.
5. Government Response Documents:
   • Following the CCC’s progress reports and other significant publications, the government is required to publish response documents. These must outline actions taken or planned in response to the CCC’s recommendations and must include evidence supporting the government’s decisions and strategies.
6. Public and Parliamentary Reporting:
   • Regular reporting to Parliament is mandated, providing evidence of the steps taken towards achieving emission reductions and adapting to climate change. These reports promote transparency and enable public and parliamentary scrutiny.

These evidence requirements are designed to ensure that the UK’s approach to managing and mitigating climate change is robust, effective, and responsive to the latest scientific understanding and policy developments. They facilitate informed decision-making and public accountability in the ongoing effort to address climate change.