Carbon Credit Scheme

Tradeable Personal Carbon Allowances

Tradeable personal carbon allowances are one of a number of innovative measures that could play a role in tackling climate change in the long term, Friends of the Earth said today after Environment Minister David Miliband revealed that plans are being drawn up by government officials.

But the environmental campaign group said there were lots of urgent actions the Government should take now, including backing growing calls for a new climate law.

In a keynote speech to the Audit Commission this evening (Wednesday), David Milliband is expected to talk about the huge challenge that climate change poses and how the Government is intending to respond. He will also reportedly say that in the long-term the government may consider the option of tradeable personal carbon allowances.

Friends of the Earth's director Tony Juniper said:

"Individual carbon trading is one of a number of options that could play a role in combating climate change. But any such scheme is many years away. There are lots of measures that should be taken now to reduce UK carbon dioxide emissions, including phasing out energy-inefficient products.

Most importantly the Government should act on the growing calls for new legislation to make successive administrations responsible for annual cuts in emissions. A climate change law - part of The Big Ask climate campaign - already has the backing of most MPs and three quarters of the public. If the Government is serious about climate change it must ensure that a new climate law is in the Queen's Speech this autumn."