News: Energy & Environment
Significant progress has been made in the proposals for eco-towns, according to a report published by the UK Eco-Town Challenge Panel, an independent group of exp ... more
UK Housing Minister Caroline Flint set out the government's latest proposals for the UK's toughest ever green standards for new housing as she unveiled a more
With the ever-growing challenges of climate change, over 150 environmental observers are meeting for the first time in central London to debate and discuss issues ... more
Energy & Environment

Ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for future generations, lies at the heart of the UK Government's sustainable development strategy. In this spirit, the UK Government published a paper in February 2002, "Our Energy Future—Creating a Low Carbon Economy", which defined a long -term strategic vision for energy policy combining the UK’s environmental, security of supply, competitiveness and social goals. The white paper sets out four clear objectives: cut carbon dioxide emissions, maintain reliable energy supplies, promote competitive energy markets and ensure homes are affordably heated.
Climate Change
Understanding the urgent need to act now, the UK has become a global leader in the fight against climate change. British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett made climate change one of the pillars of the UK's key foreign policy priorities, saying that "tackling climate change is an imperative not a choice, a problem for today not tomorrow." In this spirit, the overall common objective of the UK is to encourage immediate action and promote climate security in all areas of the world. To aid in this call to action, the UK actively supports the establishment of mutually beneficial energy partnerships with China, India, and Brazil, among others. The UK is taking action to move swiftly towards zero emissions fossil fuel plants within the EU, invest more resources on renewables, and educate the world's citizens about the economic and scientific cases that support these objectives.The UK has shown that fighting climate change is affordable-demonstrated through both the Stern Report on the Economics of Climate Change, and the fact that the UK's efforts to address climate change have not harmed its economy. Between 1990 and 2005, the UK economy grew by over 30% while greenhouse gas emissions fell by over 12%. During that period, emissions intensity also fell by 35 percent. The UK government has analyzed the potential costs of its central goal to reduce emissions by 60% by 2050. Analysis showed the cost of a 60% reduction in carbon emissions would equal 0.5 to 2% of the nation's total GDP by 2050 - the equivalent of losing six months' growth over 50 years against a backdrop in which wealth had tripled.
The UK is doing everything in its power to fight climate change and encourages other nations to do the same. Every country must invest in the future-by striving toward energy efficiency, investing in renewable energy, and reducing carbon emissions-or risk losing it.
- UK Gives Green Light for Cleaner, Greener Fuels : Department for Transport
- Prime Minister Helps UK Households Go Green : 10 Downing Street
- Introducing the New California Climate Champions : British Embassy, Washington D.C.
+ Other Energy & Environment websites
Energy Efficiency
The UK is committed to finding new technologies to help increase energy efficiency and reduce dependence on foreign energy sources. There has been a significant increase in funding for the development of alternative fuel sources, as well as research in renewable energy manufacturing. Finding new and innovative technologies in the areas solar energy technology, geothermal technology, and wind & hydropower technologies is a main priority.Increasing energy efficiency benefits everyone, and each person must do their part. Individual citizens can help by taking small measures in their own households. The UK promotes the use of cavity wall and loft insulation, and energy efficiency light bulbs, boilers and appliances, all of which can contribute significantly to increasing energy efficiency.
In addition to promoting energy efficiency, the UK has put in place policies to reduce carbon emissions, another crucial step toward avoiding dangerous climate change.
- Wales to Get World's Biggest Biomass Plant : Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
- A Majority of People in Britain Would Accept New Nuclear Power Stations if They Helped Fight Climate Change, a Poll Suggests : BBC News
- Sunlight, Water, and Nanoparticles Add up to Hydrogen : Published: 21 January 2021
- Putting Renewables at the Top of the Energy To-Do List : Published: 21 January 2021
- Riding the Waves for Renewable Energy : Tendo
+ Other Energy & Environment websites
Carbon Markets
Today, concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide are at their highest in history. The UK government is actively supporting the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, created in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol. The UK supports the creation and development of other similar carbon markets around the world, as a means of reducing the amount of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere each year.In 2006, Prime Minister Tony Blair forged a comprehensive collaborative effort with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on climate change and clean energy with the aim of creating market-based mechanisms that would promote innovation. The UK agreed to share its knowledge on emissions trading in an effort to promote a global transition to a low-carbon economy. With its domestic policies and global outreach, the UK remains one of the leaders in carbon market promotion.
Taking a cue from US experience with its acid rain program, the UK developed a national emissions trading scheme. This has now become a part of the European Emissions Trading Scheme, which came into effect on January 1, 2005. The first phase covers several thousand large industrial installations throughout the European Union member states. Those installations account for nearly half of Europe's carbon dioxide emissions. The second phase runs through 2012, and will cover additional installations and address all six greenhouse gases.
- Prime Minister Brown Explains Nuclear Decision : 10 Downing Street
- Prime Minister Gordon Brown: UK Faces Major Decision on Energy : 10 Downing Street
+ Other Energy & Environment websites
Sustainable Development
In the past, economic activity tended to mean more pollution and wasteful use of resources. A damaged environment impairs quality of life and, at worst, may threaten long-term economic growth. And too many people have been left behind, excluded from the benefits of development but often suffering from the side effects. The UK seeks to develop and promote ways to achieve economic, social and environmental objectives at the same time, and consider the longer-term implications of decisions. Committed to improving the efficiency with which we use resources, UK government supports thriving cities, towns and villages based on strong economies, good access to services and attractive and safe surroundings. The UK also understands the importance of international cooperation to overcome environmental problems, allow trade to flourish, and help the world's poorest people as we move towards a more global society.- Timber Procurement Hotline Begins Operation : Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
- Walkers enjoy new right to roam : Number 10 Downing Street
- Organic farms 'best for wildlife' : BBC News
- $4.2 million for voluntary and community organizations to support 'Cleaner, Safer, Greener' initiatives : Office of the Deputy Prime Minister