A timeline of Carbon Legislation in the UK
Overview
Carbon legislation refers to the legal measures taken by governments to regulate and reduce the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. These laws are critical components of broader environmental and energy policies aimed at combating climate change, promoting energy efficiency, and transitioning towards low-carbon economies.
The focus on carbon legislation stems from the urgent need to address the accelerating impacts of climate change, such as rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise. By implementing carbon regulations, governments aim to mitigate these effects by curbing emissions from major sectors including energy production, transportation, and manufacturing. Effective carbon legislation not only helps in stabilising global temperatures but also promotes public health and energy security.
The UK’s journey into carbon legislation began earnestly in the 1990s. One of the earliest initiatives was the signing of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, where the UK committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% below 1990 levels by 2012. This international agreement spurred the development of domestic policies aimed at achieving these targets. A significant advancement was then made with the establishment of the UK Climate Change Programme in 2000, which included measures such as the Climate Change Levy 2001, a tax on energy delivered to non-domestic users. This period also saw the UK taking a pioneering role in carbon trading with the introduction of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) in 2005, where businesses were required to hold permits equivalent to their CO2 emissions.
Eight years later, the landmark Climate Change Act 2008 set legally binding targets for the UK to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. This act introduced carbon budgets, which capped the amount of greenhouse gases the UK could legally emit over five-year periods. It was the first legislation of its kind to set such long-term and legally binding national goals, making it a model for other nations.
Throughout the 2010s, the UK’s carbon legislation expanded in scope and detail. The introduction the Energy Act 2013 and subsequent reforms in the energy market further supported the low-carbon transition by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. A pivotal moment came in 2019 when the UK government amended the Climate Change Act to commit to a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This ambitious update made the UK the first major economy to pass laws to end its contribution to global warming entirely by mid-century.
How does Carbon Legislation fit with Protocols and COP Agreements?
We have included a comprehensive timeline of the UK carbon legislative landscape so you can get a better idea of how this initiative has developed throughout the years:
- 1992 United Nations Framework for Climate Change: 198 countries join together to take action against preventing the effects of climate change.
- COP 3 – Kyoto Protocol Agreement 1997: Each country establishes different targets for limiting greenhouse gases, heavier burdens placed on more developed countries.
- Climate Change Levy 2001: Established through the Finance Act 2000, an environmental tax placed on certain businesses to ensure they operate in a more efficient, environmental way.
- EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) 2005: Required businesses to hold permits equivalent to their CO2 emissions
- Climate Change Act 2008: Sets up the framework for achieving long-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The first legally binding climate legislation in the world.
- The Carbon Accounting Regulations 2009: From the Climate Change Act 2008, measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. Additional provisions were made in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
- The Carbon Budget Order 2009: From the Climate Change Act 2008, established figures for the first three carbon budgets. Additional orders were made in 2011, 2016 and 2021.
- Doha Amendments 2012: Amendments to the Kyoto Protocol, established a second commitment period and new targets.
- COP21 – Paris Agreement 2015: Plans to limit global warming well below 2 degrees celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.
- The Climate Change Act (2050 Target Amendment Order) 2019: Makes amendments to the 2050 target to reduce Greenhouse Gases by at least 100% of pre 1990 levels.
- The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Order 2020: Left the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) after Brexit and set up the UK ETS trading scheme. Provides allowances to emit greenhouse gases as auctioned off by the government, reducing carbon emissions through financial burdens.
- COP26 – Glasgow 2021: Launch of the UK Clean Green Initiative. Reaffirmed the targets of the Paris Agreement and efforts to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions.
- COP28 – United Arab Emirates 2023: The most recent COP meeting, the first ‘global stocktake’ assessing progress towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Where does Carbon Legislation go next?
UK carbon legislation has significantly shaped its environmental policy and energy landscape. It has led to reductions in carbon emissions, a decoupling of emission reductions from economic growth, and a shift towards renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and bioenergy. The future of UK carbon legislation is likely to focus on stricter regulations, innovative technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), and sustainable practices across all sectors of the economy.
As the UK continues to advance its carbon legislative framework, the ongoing challenge will be to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. The effectiveness of past and future legislation in achieving carbon neutrality will be crucial in determining the UK’s role in the global effort against climate change, setting a precedent for other nations in environmental governance and sustainable development.
