Young will pick up climate change bill, advisers warn

Young people will be left to pick up the bill for climate change because politicians are dodging the issue, a new report warns.

The UK must act faster to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from road traffic, homes and farming, says the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) - an independent body that advises the government.

It says ministers are spurning low-cost options, such as onshore windfarms, home insulation and tree-planting, meaning young people will end up paying more than needed to curb emissions.

Part of the problem is that responsibility is split between various government departments, and they don't all see tackling climate change as a key priority.

However, the government says it is committed to being a world leader on climate change, and will introduce a low-carbon transport plan soon.

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Why are the advisors so concerned?

The UK is on track to miss its legally binding carbon targets in 2025 and 2030 due to a lack of progress in cutting emissions from buildings and transport.

The UK made a good start with changes in the power industry by switching away from coal in favour of natural gas and renewable sources. However, emissions cuts in other sectors have stalled in the past five years.

The CCC says housebuilders are “cheating” buyers with energy-inefficient homes and motor companies are holding back the rollout of clean cars, which means people will end up paying more than necessary to fight climate change in future.

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Why are some emissions going up?

People are buying bigger, heavier cars like SUVs, which produce about a quarter more CO2 than the smallest vehicles.

Meanwhile, the government has removed the fuel duty incentive for low-pollution cars, so now a Porsche can be taxed at the same rate as a clean Toyota Prius.

The government has pledged to end the sale of pure petrol and diesel cars by 2040, but the CCC says this is too unambitious and it’s essential it moves closer to 2030. The CCC warns that the sale of electric cars and installation of charging points is also far too slow.

Home insulation installations are among the cheapest carbon cutting measures but the cancellation of government incentives has caused a 95% drop since 2012.

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Why does cutting emissions matter?

The planet's climate has constantly been changing over time.

However, the world is heating up more quickly than in the past.

When we burn things like coal or oil to create energy to power things like homes, cars and factories, they release harmful gases (CO2). These gases end up in the Earth's atmosphere and trap more of the Sun's heat in, which increases temperatures.

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Why worry about global warming?

Scientists say that if the planet's temperature goes up by more than two degrees Celsius, sea levels will rise so much that low-lying coastal areas and islands could end up under water.

Extreme weather like heatwaves, droughts and storms could happen more often and become more severe, and a third of all animal species could be wiped out.

Some experts believe that we are already half way to this point and action needs to be taken now.

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Is there anything I can do?

Yes there is!

If you want to help tackle climate change, you can avoid flying and eating meat - two of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases.

Maybe walk or cycle instead of taking the car - and turn the central heating down or switch to energy-saving lightbulbs.

Perhaps inquire at your place of study or work to see if there are changes you can help to bring about.

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