DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (Information
Bulletin ref : 135/08) issued by The Government News Network on 8
May 2008
Findings from the
Government study into personal carbon trading were published by
Defra today.
The study indicates that personal carbon trading has potential to
engage individuals in taking action to combat climate change, but
is essentially ahead of its time and expected costs for
implementation are high.
The Government remains interested in the concept of personal
carbon trading and, although it will not be continuing its
research programme at this stage, it will monitor the wealth of
research focusing on this area and may introduce personal carbon
trading if the value of carbon savings and cost implications change.
The review is part of the Government's commitment to
supporting individuals to reduce their carbon footprints and
encouraging pro-environmental behaviour. It examines all aspects
of personal carbon trading and evaluates it's potential value
for reducing individual CO2 emissions.
Notes to editors
1. Full copies of the reports can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/uk/individual/carbontrading.
2. Personal carbon trading requires individuals to manage their
own CO2 emissions. The concept suggests a national emissions cap
would be set and carbon credits would be allocated across the
population. Carbon credits would be used on purchases of, for
example, electricity, gas or transport fuel. Those who need more
credits than their allocated allowance would need to trade with
those using less. Over time the overall emissions cap (and thus
each individual allocation) could be reduced in line with national
or international agreements.
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