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07/12/2009
Take Fresh Look At Emissions: CBI
A leading employers' organisation has claimed that UK companies could find themselves at a serious disadvantage if manufacturers switch production to countries where emissions targets aren't as tough as those at home.
The claim came as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) published a new report on EU Emissions Trading Scheme called 'Trading Up: The Future of Emissions Trading.
As the United Nations' Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen meets today, the UK's leading business group argues a scheme, which caps emissions and allows firms to buy permits for carbon, such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, should form the basis for a global carbon market.
John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General of the CBI, said: "UK firms have a strong interest in a successful outcome at Copenhagen.
"After all, it will be business that delivers the new infrastructure and develops the products and services needed for the shift to a low-carbon economy.
"The last thing we want is a disorderly transition with countries making their own arrangements and moving at different paces," he said, adding that firms manufacturing commodities such as steel or cement could shift production away from the UK if the pace of change isn't uniform.
"First, we want all nations to deliver a strong commitment to reducing emissions at Copenhagen.
"Second, the foundations should be laid for a global market for carbon, by developing schemes that cap emissions and create a market for trading in carbon permits.
"We believe the EU Emissions Trading Scheme is one of the best mechanisms for guaranteeing year-on-year cuts to emissions in a cost-effective way. By forcing polluters to pay more for a decreasing number of permits, that in turn encourages investment in green technology and energy efficiency.
"Third, there needs to be broad agreement about how the wealthier nations will share the bill for helping the developing world make the move to a low-carbon economy," he said.
However, the bosses' organisation spokesman concluded: "With the right deal at Copenhagen, there could be huge opportunities for the UK.
"Sectors where we could build a real advantage and create jobs include offshore wind, low-carbon vehicles, carbon finance and clean coal."
(BMcC/GK)
The claim came as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) published a new report on EU Emissions Trading Scheme called 'Trading Up: The Future of Emissions Trading.
As the United Nations' Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen meets today, the UK's leading business group argues a scheme, which caps emissions and allows firms to buy permits for carbon, such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, should form the basis for a global carbon market.
John Cridland, CBI Deputy Director-General of the CBI, said: "UK firms have a strong interest in a successful outcome at Copenhagen.
"After all, it will be business that delivers the new infrastructure and develops the products and services needed for the shift to a low-carbon economy.
"The last thing we want is a disorderly transition with countries making their own arrangements and moving at different paces," he said, adding that firms manufacturing commodities such as steel or cement could shift production away from the UK if the pace of change isn't uniform.
"First, we want all nations to deliver a strong commitment to reducing emissions at Copenhagen.
"Second, the foundations should be laid for a global market for carbon, by developing schemes that cap emissions and create a market for trading in carbon permits.
"We believe the EU Emissions Trading Scheme is one of the best mechanisms for guaranteeing year-on-year cuts to emissions in a cost-effective way. By forcing polluters to pay more for a decreasing number of permits, that in turn encourages investment in green technology and energy efficiency.
"Third, there needs to be broad agreement about how the wealthier nations will share the bill for helping the developing world make the move to a low-carbon economy," he said.
However, the bosses' organisation spokesman concluded: "With the right deal at Copenhagen, there could be huge opportunities for the UK.
"Sectors where we could build a real advantage and create jobs include offshore wind, low-carbon vehicles, carbon finance and clean coal."
(BMcC/GK)
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