UK Stands by Tough Carbon Target Over Opposition

The government of the UK said it plans to stand by its goal to curb emissions by 2027 to 50% of the 1990 level, a target that has led to political opposition and that its own advisers have said will be hard to meet.

The country has set binding targets for greenhouse gases over four five-year periods to 2027. The carbon budgets are aimed at cutting emissions by 80% against 1990 levels by mid-century.

"Retaining the budget at its existing level provides certainty for businesses and investors by demonstrating government's commitment to our long-term decarbonisation goals," Ed Davey, secretary of state for energy and climate change, said.

Government advisers also have said that altering the goals will undermine investor confidence in low-carbon technology.

The fourth carbon budget, covering the period from 2023 to 2027, has been a subject of debate among some politicians, who argue for a weaker emissions cut target to prevent damage to the economy.

The UK set out its fourth carbon budget in 2011 but said it would decide in 2014 whether the budget should be revised to reflect progress in cutting emissions in the EU generally.

"Any revision now would be premature, especially in light of the ongoing negotiations in the EU to agree a domestic 40% greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030 by October," Davey said.