Legislation that sets out plans to tackle climate change for the next 50 years was published in the UK House of Commons today.

The Climate Change Bill, the first of its kind in the world, sets out a framework that will put Britain on the path to become 'a low-carbon economy', with clear, legally binding targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 60 per cent by 2050, and 26 to 32 per cent by 2020, against 1990 levels.

As well as setting clear targets, the Bill provides a pathway to achieve those reductions through a system of five-year carbon budgets set fifteen years ahead, aimed at giving 'investors and policymakers certainty and direction'. 

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said:

“This Bill is a landmark in environmental legislation and will set us firmly on the path to the low-carbon economy we know is fundamental to our future.   We need to provide the framework that will give Government, businesses and individuals a clear idea of how we’re going to tackle climate change."