UK Government Has Published Its Low Carbon Transition Plan. (July 17, 2009)

The Royal Society issued this media release following the UK government's presentation to parliament of its Low Carbon Transition Plan: National Strategy for Climate and Energy.

The Government today (15th July) published its Low Carbon Transition Plan, comprising elements from the Departments of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Business, Innovation and Skills and Transport. Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society, made the following comment:

"The Royal Society welcomes the Government's recognition that decarbonising electricity and transport and increasing energy efficiency are essential. Moreover the UK can derive great benefit from taking a lead in innovative science and technology. Any new investment by Government and industry is welcome. Indeed, further increases will be necessary if we are to respond fittingly to developments in the US, where the Obama administration has given massive priority to clean energy.

We have seen much debate over priorities recently, with different factions promoting their own interests. The time for sectoral division is over. We must all, government, industry, academia and the public, accept responsibility for a global problem and act with responsibility. We now have a vision and it is time to deliver on it."

The 223 page publication together with its 100 page Analytical Annex are available online from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The principal initiatives are listed in the summary below.

So, while Senator Fielding continues to pretend he's not a climate change sceptic, the UK is beginning to get on with the job with the endorsement of the Royal Society, and 34 US Nobel Laureates write US President Barack Obama: "We stand ready to assist you in any way we can".