Councils will be given the opportunity to ‘shape their local response' to climate change under proposals in the energy White Paper. Greater energy efficiency and a secure, low carbon energy mix for the long term are at the centre of the White Paper published by trade and industry secretary, Alistair Darling. The Local Government Information Unit said the Government must not shy away from engaging local people in a ‘revolutionary approach' to cutting carbon emissions. David Janner-Klausner, head of centre for local sustainability, said the White Paper should ‘throw more weight' behind the practical role councils would have in reducing carbon emissions. The White Paper reveals large non-energy-intensive public and private sector organisations in the UK, such as large councils, banks and supermarkets, account for around 10% of the UK's emissions. With this in mind, it has been decided to introduce a mandatory cap and trade scheme. The Government will consult shortly on how best it can be implemented. Regional Development Agencies also have a strong role to play in tackling climate change, including setting carbon-reduction targets in their corporate plans. See www.dti.gov.uk for more information.
