| UK Climate Legislation is a Model |
| Written by Daniel Stouffer | |
| Monday, 21 September 2009 | |
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Since the dawn of the industrial era, which we are led to believe was 1750, we have had a seemingly never ending thirst for energy and products produced through the use of fossil fuels. Over the centuries we were not aware of the damage that we were causing and it has been only in relatively recent times that we have come to terms with the significant and threatening effects that we have caused to our environment.
Since the dawn of the industrial era, which we are led to believe was 1750, we have had a seemingly never ending thirst for energy and products produced through the use of fossil fuels. Over the centuries we were not aware of the damage that we were causing and it has been only in relatively recent times that we have come to terms with the significant and threatening effects that we have caused to our environment. The principal emitters of dangerous greenhouse gases have been identified under the new UK climate legislation which aims to take on the problem of climate change head on. These entities must take significant steps to reduce the large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions or face financial penalties appropriately. While in an ideal world, each one of us would realize that the consequences of consumption are far-reaching and could have a devastating effect on our future generations, in reality politicians realize that this is not sufficient to make us change our ways. Corporate citizens are essentially driven by revenues and profits, although they may give relatively significant attention to environmental concerns. UK climate legislation recognizes that intent is not enough and must be backed up by hard action. Ultimately, the success or failure of a company is dictated by powerful market forces. This has not really had an effect on carbon emissions to this point, but UK climate legislation changes all of that. Companies now face a cap on the amount of emissions that they are responsible for before penalties are imposed. By introducing a value for carbon and creating a commodity accordingly, UK climate legislation will over the course of time have a significant effect on the amount of carbon that an organization may purchase. As such, efficiencies must be achieved to ensure that an enterprise does not rely so much upon fossil fuels and engages other economies to cut down on its carbon bill. It is very likely that a "cap and trade" program will be adopted by most, if not all developed countries in the very near future. We have gone a long way without taking action and now understand that inaction is not an option. Major organizations became liable to participate in the new UK climate legislation, even though opponents specified that such mandatory imposition would create unnecessary barriers to international trade and considerable difficulties in the global arena for those concerned. The new administration of the United States is watching the UK climate legislation with a very keen interest and has indicated that it supports the concept. Many other interested parties will be watching the Carbon Reduction Commitment, the child of the British Climate Change Act of 2008 to see how it unfolds. The Article Author: Daniel Stouffer has a great deal of information about the UK climate legislation and how a visit to www.verisae.com will be of use to you. |
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