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Climate Change Act 2008

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Reporting

The Climate Change Act 2008 gives Welsh Ministers powers to direct certain bodies (referred to as ‘reporting authorities’) to prepare reports about their preparations for climate change.

Guidance

The Climate Change Act 2008 gives Welsh Ministers the power to issue guidance about preparing for climate change.

In 2008 the UK Government passed the Climate Change Act. It was the first legislation in the world to create a legally binding framework to tackle climate change.

The Act sets the legally binding target of an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and sets a carbon budgeting system that caps emissions over five year periods. It also provides UK governments with powers regarding preparing for climate change impacts.

The two key aims of the Act are to:

  • improve carbon management, helping the transition towards a low-carbon economy in the UK
  • demonstrate UK leadership internationally, signalling commitment to taking our share of responsibility for reducing global emissions in the context of developing international negotiations.  

The UK Committee on Climate Change advises the government on progress on tackling climate change.

Visit: Climate Change Act 2008 (external link)