What Government is doing
Taking International action on climate change
Road to Copenhagen
In December this year, representatives of more than 180 countries from around the world will meet for talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, to seek a new international agreement to tackle climate change. The key challenge faced at this conference is finding ways to reduce emissions and avoid pushing global temperatures to dangerous levels.
DECC has published ‘The Road to Copenhagen’ setting out our case for an ambitious global climate deal in Copenhagen. The document covers what that deal should look like, the impacts on the UK and the rest of the world if we don’t take action, and explains what measures people can take now to play their part in reducing CO2 emissions.
Reducing emissions is urgent
It is necessary to stop the temperature increasing by more than 2°C (compared to pre-industrial levels), as above this level the risk of severe effects becomes much greater. To do this, we need emissions in 2050 to be at least half what they were in 1990.
We need a deal in Copenhagen to put us on track to achieving this goal. In the short term, it is critical that global emissions start to fall within the next 10 years. This will require all developed countries to commit to firm emissions reductions targets, and also actions from developing countries to limit their emissions growth.
The European Union has already made a commitment to reduce emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2020, and to reduce emissions by 30% if other countries make comparable commitments in a global agreement.
What you can do?
Almost half (42%) of UK carbon emissions come from the things that we do as individuals on a daily basis. Find out how much CO2 you create and get a simple, personalised action plan to reduce your carbon footprint by completing the ACT ON CO2 carbon calculator.
Carbon Calculator
Find out how much carbon dioxide you create and get a simple, personalised action plan to reduce your carbon footprint.
The global effects of climate change
Around the globe climate change will affect rainfall patterns, cause snow and ice to melt and affect the intensity of extreme weather
