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.

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.

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.