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HOW SHOULD PUBLIC BODIES BEST ADAPT URGENTLY TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
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This Seminar will be held at The Royal Commonwealth Society in London
On Monday 19th January 2009
Seminar reference CCE/223 |
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 The Committee on Climate Change is producing its first full report on 1 December
Government has accepted it recommendation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050
The Government has establishes a new Department of Energy and Climate Change to address the challenge
CCC sees key changes needed in energy efficiency and decarbonisation of power, transport and heat sectors
All of this has major impact on public bodies and public services
How do we change the politics of economic growth and business as usual?
How do we achieve the necessary political and management tipping points nationally, regionally and locally?
How do we deliver comprehensive national, regional and local programmes to time and budget?
How do we deliver effective programmes on energy and waste and turn them to positive advantage?
How do we make better use of natural resources and environment and the urban/rural interface?
How can we effectively achieve sustainable cities across sectors?
How do we use LSPs, LAAs, MAAs and other tools to achieve sustainable regions and sub-regions?
How do we achieve sustainability across the NHS and other public services?
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CONTEXT
Government has committed the UK to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80% on 1990 levels by 2050 as a major contribution to a global deal on climate change. They have backed recommendations by the Climate Change Committee and are making the target binding in law by amending the Climate Change and Energy Bills.
The new Department of Energy and Climate Change brings together government work on three long-term challenges facing the UK : ensuring we have energy that is affordable, secure, and sustainable; bringing about transition to a low-carbon Britain; and achieving international agreement on climate change at Copenhagen in December 2009.
Government and most experts believe it would be wrong to retreat from climate change objectives during the economic downturn and would fail to tackle the interface of economic and environmental challenges.
While there are trade-offs, Government believes there are common solutions : eg, energy-saving measures for households which cut bills and emissions, and investment in new industries which improve energy security and reduce dependence on polluting fuels.
Stern showed the costs of not acting on climate change are greater than the costs of acting. Only if Britain plays its part will a global deal to cut emissions be possible.
Based on a 2000 Royal Commission report, a 60% reduction in CO2 was set. Since then, we have new knowledge. Arctic sea ice is melting faster than expected. Global emissions are growing faster. Impacts of each degree of climate change are known to be worse.
CCC found that to hold global warming to 20 degrees above pre-industrial levels, global emissions must fall by 50-60% by 2050. They concluded that for Britain to play its proper part we should cut emissions by 60% not 80%, and this should apply not just to CO2, but to all six Kyoto greenhouse gasses.
Government says signing up to an 80 per cent cut by 2050 is the easy part. The hard part is meeting it, and meeting the milestones that will show we're on track.
CCC will advise in December on the first 15 years of carbon budgets - national limits to our total emissions. Government will then report on how to meet them.
The UK cannot act alone. Agreement is in hand on strengthening of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, and on targets for 2020 : that Europe should reduce greenhouse gasses by 20% unilaterally, 30% as part of a global deal; and that the EU should confirm its renewable energy target.
Our energy market was designed with abundant supply, UK energy self-sufficiency, low commodity prices and an emerging debate on climate change. This has all changed : there is international competition for resources, need for new investment in supply, structurally higher energy prices, and an urgency about carbon emissions.
Government says we need a market that secures future supply, with investment in nuclear power and carbon capture and storage, more to incentivise cuts in carbon emissions and more to help homes and businesses. Markets can work properly only if they are regulated effectively in the public interest with a strong independent regulator.
The Conservative Opposition criticise what they call a "decade-long void" in Government policy on energy and climate change. They say future ministers must not look the other way when it comes to addressing energy needs. They stress that we dont have to choose between "ambitious and progressive action on carbon reduction and a successful, powerful economy" - because they are, in fact, "one and the same".
The All-Party Parliamentary Climate Change Group talk of the need to change the politics of economic growth and business as usual and a political tipping point
This CPPS seminar brings together key figures from across sectors in the important debate on how to tackle the challenges caused by climate change and become a world leader in achieving effective action in the changed and difficult economic climate.
The day encourages brief, focussed presentations followed by engaged discussion by all attending in a relaxed setting. It is hoped that it will make a valuable contribution to taking forward the issues.
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The fee for the day's Seminar is £345.00 plus VAT.
Earlybird Discount of 20% for bookings received before 19 December
GENEROUS NEGOTIATED DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND FOR MULTIPLE BOOKINGS.
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What people say about CPPS Public Policy Seminars
Please may I thank you and your colleagues for an excellent seminar. All speakers gave first class presentations; the format was good and stimulated discussion - Director, Energy Research Centre, University of Durham
May I congratulate CPPS for hosting this event at such an opportune moment and for bringing together such a strong cross section of those who are interested in the future &. the UK economy? & A very good and valuable day. Deputy Director General for Regions, Department of Trade and Industry
I had a stimulating and intellectually enriching day and thoroughly enjoyed it - Chief Executive, Creative Industries Development Agency
You are to be congratulated upon a superb programme which was much appreciated - Former President, British Medical Association
Excellent range of well-informed speakers and involvement from floor. Managing Director, Gen2 Engineering and Technology
Excellent debate and update on a wide and diverse policy area. Head of Community and Economic Regeneration, Ashfield District Council
Round table structure excellent; food excellent; overall event very informative and topical; excellent networking opportunities. Researcher, Centre for Cities
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